Chestnut Festival in Montagnareale

The traditional Chestnut Festival in Montagnareale it is a much awaited appointment not only by the local community, but also by visitors from outside the region.
The event has always been taken care of by the Montagnareale Mutual Aid Society, which is committed to guaranteeing all the participants not only numerous delicacies, but also many opportunities to have fun.

History of the Chestnut Festival in Montagnareale

The first edition of the Chestnut Festival in Montagnareale took place in 1974, proving increasingly successful, as it was capable of arousing curiosity among visitors.

When the Chestnut Festival takes place in Montagnareale

The Chestnut Festival in Montagnareale takes place towards the end Octoberi.e. in full autumn.
To find out the precise dates, it is advisable to consult the Municipality's website or the Corriere dei Nebrodi, a local magazine constantly updated on all the events that take place not only within the town, but also in the surrounding area.

Where the Chestnut Festival takes place in Montagnareale

The event takes place in Montagnareale, a small Sicilian town located in the northern part of the Nebrodi Mountains, known for its breathtaking views.

What to do during the Chestnut Festival in Montagnareale

As the name of the event itself says, the Chestnut Festival in Montagnareale features one of the autumn fruits par excellence, namely the castagna.
In fact, it can be enjoyed in many versions: raw, cooked in the oven or on the grill, in many desserts, creams and breads.
In addition to the chestnut, there will be other foods, just think of hazelnuts, walnuts, honey, artisan liqueurs and the inevitable Sicilian specialties such as cannoli and cassata filled with ricotta and chocolate.
If you have the opportunity, it is a good idea to buy some delicacies to eat at home in peace or to give to loved ones back home; without a shadow of a doubt it will prove to be a very affectionate gesture.

During the festivities there will also be live performances by musical groups and artists, shows of various kinds, music and dancing in the square.

Those who want to broaden their cultural baggage can participate in both the walks and the guided tours aimed at discovering the landscape and naturalistic beauties of the area, including the old millstones and oil mills plus the ancient Cape mill, located along the course of the Montagnareale torrent, from which the locality took its name.
Another highlight of the festival is the famous one candy contest, which will then be distributed free of charge to all those present.

While you are in Montagnareale, it is advisable to visit the Most Holy Mother Church of Grace, a building of simple workmanship and in neoclassical style.
Its structure is different from the original one, as the latter was destroyed by a terrible earthquake that occurred in 1908.
Here are kept not only the statue of the Madonna delle Grazie made by the Gagini school, but also that of Sant'Antonio Abate (patron saint of the city) and the polychrome wooden one depicting the Ecce Homo.

How to get to Montagnareale to take part in the Chestnut Festival

Montagnareale is a town that has just under 1500 inhabitants located in province of Messina, from which it is about an hour's drive.
If you start from the latter, you must take the A20/E90 motorway.
Unfortunately, there is still no public transport that leads to the aforementioned place, as it is decidedly isolated.