Feast of San Martino in Sicily

Traditions, chestnuts and wine


A Sicilian tradition is to tap new wine on St. Martin's Day.

Feast of San Martino in Sicily

The feast of Saint Martin is an anniversary celebrated on November 11th to commemorate Martin of Tours, Saint linked to the evocative history of the cloak and also to the legend of the summer of San Martino. According to tradition, when he saw a half-naked beggar suffering from the cold during a downpour, he gave him half of his cloak. Shortly afterwards he met another beggar and gave him the other half: immediately the sky cleared and the temperature became milder. The expression "St. Martin's Summer" derives from this episode.

In Sicily the festival is associated with the maturation of new wine, so it is customary to eat roasted chestnuts, roasted chestnuts, accompanied by new wine. On the occasion of the anniversary, San Martino biscuits are also prepared, which are usually enjoyed dipped in wine, and sfinci di San Martino, pancakes covered in sugar, also simply called sfinci.

Where is it possible to participate in a San Martino festival in Sicily?
Some towns and villages in Sicily keep this tradition alive.

Agrigento area

"Lu Sammartinu" - San Martino festival in Ravanusa

San Martino festival in Ravanusa

The San Martino festival in Ravanusa in Ravanusa celebrates the typical products of the autumn period, such as ricotta, chestnuts, pork and new wine. A craft market is also set up and talks, conferences, guided tours, folkloristic, musical and entertainment shows are organised.

San Martino in Cianciana

San Martino in Cianciana

The Festival of San Martino in Cianciana it is an event rich in flavors and traditions. During the event it is possible to taste the new wine while savoring local delicacies such as "lu pani cunzatu" (seasoned bread), olives, cheese, sphinx or walnuts.


Catania and Etna area

Feast of San Martino in Acireale

Feast of San Martino in Acireale

The Feast of San Martino in Acireale in Acireale: gastronomic journey, chestnut tasting, new wine, homemade macaroni, sausage, typical desserts and many other typical local specialties.

San Martino festival in Misterbianco

San Martino festival in Misterbianco

The San Martino festival in Misterbianco: tasting of roasted chestnuts, new wine and typical local products. Craft market, exhibitions, impromptu painting shows, concerts.


Sicily center

Feast of San Martino in San Cono

Feast of San Martino in San Cono

Feast of San Martino in San Cono in San Cono: food stands are set up where you can taste typical local specialities, such as sausage, horse meat, ciciri ca cutini soup, accompanied by excellent local wine.
Competition for the best local wine and entertainment shows.

San Martino in San Michele di Ganzaria

San Martino festival in San Michele di Ganzaria

The San Martino festival in San Michele di Ganzaria celebrates the excellent productions of the territory. On the occasion of the event, food stands will be set up where you can taste pasta with wild boar ragù, tripe, chickpeas, cunzato bread, cuccìa, cassatelle, cannoli and much more...

San Martino in Villarosa

San Martino festival in Villarosa

La San Martino festival in Villarosa: the Osteria in the square, parade of Sicilian carts, folklore and tasting of typical Sicilian dishes.


Messina and Nebrodi area

Palio of San Martino in Castell'Umberto

Palio of San Martino in Castell'Umberto

The most important moment of the Palio of San Martino San Martino in Castell'Umberto is the traditional "Corsa delle Botti" during which teams from all over Italy compete in an adrenaline-filled and fun race.
On the occasion of the event, dedicated to rural tradition and the promotion of the territory, local craft stands and food stands where you can taste typical local products and specialties: mushrooms, roasted chestnuts, hazelnut tagliatelle, homemade macaroni with sauce, frittuli, local wine...

San Martino summer in Gioiosa Marea

San Martino summer in Gioiosa Marea

San Martino summer in Gioiosa Marea it is an event that celebrates one of the most beloved traditions in Sicily through moments of conviviality, good food and new wine.
The Summer of San Martino has always been synonymous with autumnal flavours, and is the ideal event to discover the gastronomic excellence of the area, including new wine and other local specialities. The days of celebration are animated by tastings, shows and activities for adults and children.

San Martino festival in Milazzo

San Martino festival in Milazzo

San Martino Fest in Milazzo. Music, good food, dance and fun!
Hobby and craft exhibition stands and children's games.Sandwiches with sausage, roasted chestnuts, French fries, Sicilian cannoli, new wine.

Feast of San Martino in San Marco D'Alunzio

San Martino festival in San Marco D'Alunzio

The Feast of San Martino in San Marco D'Alunzio celebrates the colors and flavors of the feast of San Martino.
On the occasion of the event, a food and wine tasting tour of local specialties accompanied by new wine is set up. Musical, folklore and entertainment shows are also organised.


Palermo area

San Martino delle Scale in Monreale

Feast of San Martino delle Scale in Monreale

The Feast of San Martino delle Scale in Monreale in Monreale takes place at the abbey of San Martino delle Scale.
The celebrations in honor of the Holy Bishop of Tours begin with the ceremony of handing over the cloak on the altar of San Martino and continue with a rich calendar of religious, cultural and recreational events: the historical re-enactment of the transit of Saint Martin, the solemn procession of the Relic, visits to the Abbey, the blessing of the animals, the traditional distribution of Saint Martin's biscuits, musical and entertainment shows.

San Martino Feast in Palazzo Adriano

San Martino Feast in Palazzo Adriano

San Martino Feast in Palazzo Adriano recalls ancient traditions: on the day of the celebration the children go to the home of the newlyweds bringing gifts of baskets adorned with embroidered tablecloths containing gifts, sweets, panuzzi of San Martino, Pitta and Buccellato.
During the day it is possible to watch the preparation of the typical San Martino basket, to visit the "Sammartini" at the home of the newlyweds and take part in an urban tour to discover the beauties of the village.


Ragusa area

San Martino Fair in Vittoria

San Martino Fair in Vittoria

The Fiera di San Martino a Vittoria organized within the New Autumn Fair at the Nuova Città Emaia Exhibition Centre, is a historic event that attracts visitors from all over Sicily, with stands full of artisanal products, specialties venues and all the charm of local traditions.


Taormina area

San Martino in Casalvecchio Siculo

San Martino festival in Casalvecchio Siculo

During the San Martino Festival in Casalvecchio Siculo, as per ancient tradition, it is possible to taste chestnuts and new wine as well as the traditional cuzzole, as well as sandwiches with sausage and other typical local products.
Live music and performances by folk groups.

San Martino in Fiumefreddo di Sicilia

The Sagra di San Martino in Fiumefreddo di Sicilia celebrates ancient traditions with a gastronomic village where you can taste chestnuts and new wine and other typical local specialties: ricotta, sausage, traditional cheeses and desserts.
On festive days, a craft market is also set up and organized musical, folkloristic and entertainment shows.

San Martino in Mongiuffi Melia

San Martino in Mongiuffi Melia

During the Sagra di San Martino in Mongiuffi Melia a food and wine tour is set up with tasting of roasted chestnuts, new wine and other autumn delicacies, in addition to the traditional craft market. Folkloristic, musical and entertainment shows are also organised.


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