Nettle Festival in Tortorici

Tortorici, in northeastern Sicily on the border with Nebrodi Park, is a town populated by approximately 5.800 people, in the Metropolitan City of Messina. Tortorici is a municipality known by many names: for some it is the city of the hazelnut, for others the city of the bells, but here there is also another event that gives prestige to the town and it is the Nettle Festival in Tortorici: we talk about nettle, while tasting recipes based on this vegetable, which grows spontaneously in the valley. Learn about the plant, discover its characteristics and flavour, observe its use in the kitchen or in the pharmacy, in short, become an expert, while enjoying special dishes, desserts and tasty appetizers at the Nettle Festival in Tortorici. And after the tastings and expert conferences, the square is transformed into a dance floor.

The history of the Nettle Festival in Tortorici

In Tortorici, in the Valle dell'Ingegno, the territory has always offered numerous edible plant species, which man has been able to recognize and exploit for his own diet: a real tradition, that of Nettle, which in Tortorici is transmitted with the conferences of the Festival to all participants.

The event was born in 2018 and is organized by the Municipality of Tortorici in collaboration with the group of Riunite Associations of Tortorici, which promote local culture, and with the Botanical Garden of the University of Palermo.

When the festival takes place in Tortorici

The Nettle Festival in Tortorici takes place in the month of August: Nettle Day is August 17th, starting at 17:00.

Where the festival takes place in Tortorici

To find out everything about Ortica go to Zumbo Square, in the heart of the village of Tortorici.

What to do during the Nettle Festival in Tortorici

Taking part in conferences will give you the opportunity to gather a lot of information on this plant which, if treated in the right way, can reserve pleasant surprises such as nettle cream with which they are stuffed cannoli from the festival, the tasty condiment for sausage and tagliatelle, as well as the refreshing drink that will be served to you at the Nettle Festival in Tortorici: discover everything by taking part in this day dedicated to herbs, but then stay in the town to visit all the attractions that the village reserves for tourists.

In the center you will find the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, Church of the Holy Saviour , Church of San Francesco D'Assisi, in addition to Convent of the Friars Minor and other sacred buildings. To discover the whole area, go to the surrounding area too. The villages that make up Tortorici are 72, among which we remember San Filippo, Fiumara, Mercurio, Sceti, Moira and Serro Alloro.

Those who love nature can easily reach the Nebrodi Park, for an excursion in the countryside, or go towards the coast, reaching Capo d'Orlando just 30 km away. The Nebrodi is the largest protected park in Sicily, with the rich panorama of the Sicilian Apennines; to Capo d'Orlando instead you will find some of the most beautiful beaches in the area, such as that of San Gregorio or the natural spectacle of the Grotta delle Mangiove.

Messina, with the Cathedral and the Church of the Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani, is about 115 km from the town and can be reached in less than two hours: from here you can admire the view of the Strait, but also visit museums such as the Regional Interdisciplinary Museum of Messina, or walk around the city in search of real open-air works of art, such as the Orion Fountain.

If you spend a holiday in Tortorici on the occasion of the Nettle Festival, also dedicate yourself to discovering the Messina cuisine at 360°: Majorcan cheese, pork and lamb are among the main typical products of the area, in addition to hazelnuts, with which delicious desserts are made. On site, try the Sicilian-style rolls and sweet and sour rabbit, taste the maccu di fave and don't forget panelle and crocchè, as well as the fried olives.

How to get to the festival in Tortorici

Tortorici, in the Metropolitan City of Messina, can be reached easily in the car, via the A20 Messina-Buonfornello from the Rocca di Capri Leone exit, or on the train, getting off at Capo d'Orlando Naso station and continuing the journey by bus or shuttle.