Cuttlefish Festival in Balestrate

La Cuttlefish Festival in Balestrate it is certainly an event to be experienced, perfect for young and old. Those who go to these parts can immerse themselves in an event dedicated to the taste of the sea and the purest and most genuine Sicilian tradition.

Here's what you need to find out about an initiative considered highly iconic by local citizens.

Description of the Cuttlefish Festival in Balestrate

The Cuttlefish Festival is called in this way because it celebrates a high quality product, fished with considerable frequency in the sea of ​​the town of Balestrate and in a good part of Sicily. In general, the festival serves to highlight the taste of a genuine shellfish, as well as highlighting the work carried out by the locals. The opportunity to taste the fish between April and early May is really not to be missed by any potential visitor.

Brief history of the Cuttlefish Festival in Balestrate

The history of the Cuttlefish Festival is closely connected to that of the town located today in the metropolitan city of Palermo, Balestrate. In ancient times, this beautiful seaside resort had another name, namely Sicciara. This term derives from siccia, i.e. from cuttlefish in the Sicilian dialect. The mollusc has always been extremely widespread in this area, to the point of becoming a truly iconic symbol. It is no coincidence that the locals know the event under the name of Sapori di Sicciara...ra.

When the Cuttlefish Festival is held in Balestrate

The Cuttlefish Festival is held every year towards the first ten days of May. As mentioned previously, the date was chosen to pay homage to the catch and to be able to taste it in the company of tourists from all over Italy and beyond.

Where the Cuttlefish Festival takes place in Balestrate

The festival dedicated to the Cuttlefish is held in Via Madonna del Ponte, one of the most characteristic streets of the municipality of Balestrate. The Palermitan town has about 6000 inhabitants and overlooks the famous Gulf of Castellammare, showing off a crystalline blue sea. It borders with marvelous towns such as Alcamo, Partinico and Trappeto and is characterized by warm and temperate climatic conditions, which are a little milder in May.

What to do on the occasion of the Cuttlefish Festival in Balestrate

Those who choose to go to Balestrate for the Cuttlefish Festival are spoiled for choice. It is an event that highlights i flavors only Sicily, with the participation of numerous local wineries. From the catch of the day to the local wine, you can lick your mustache thanks to fresh and first-class products. The pizza made with cuttlefish ink is also interesting, as well as spaghetti made in the same way. There is no shortage of moments of entertainment for the whole family, with shows not to be missed to have fun with loved ones.

How to reach Balestrate

By car:, to reach Balestrate, just take the A29 motorway and exit at the Balestrate junction, just over 2 kilometers from the centre.
By train, the Punta Raisi and Piraineto railway stations are located 17 kilometers from the Palermo town.