Imagine a crowd of people flocking around the net the size of a football pitch and cheering a group of men in the middle. Imagine them all circling a group of huge terrified tunas. Now imagine them being taken out with a traditional hook and tossed away on a pile. This all is in fact happening in Sicily and a lot of local fishermen do this kind of fishing for a living. Their main competitor is industrialism and its affection for the mass market, which influences the decreasing rates of tuna presence in Mediterranean.
To witness La Mattanza, head to Trapani or Egadi Islands to experience the performance in flying colors.
Practical info
What is La Mattanza in Sicily?
In Sicily, La Mattanza is a sustainable and humane method of fishing for tuna using a large net to encircle the tuna schools, and then capturing them one by one with hooks. This traditional method dates back centuries, and is recognized as an integral part of local culture. While the name may infer that it involves the killing of fish on a mass scale, the method is actually designed to minimize disturbance of marine life while still allowing fishing. Show more
How is tuna fishing in Sicily considered humane?
Unlike other traditional fishing methods elsewhere, tuna fishing in Sicily is humane because it does not use massive nets, and therefore minimizes the disturbance to marine life. Instead, fishermen focus on catching abundant schools of tuna found in designated areas. This traditional method also supports small-scale fishing, which is a sustainable and ecologically viable practice. Local organizations and authorities in Sicily continue to promote and maintain this method as a way to preserve the local marine ecosystem and the sustainability of the local economy. Show more
Where is the best place to witness La Mattanza?
La Mattanza can be witnessed in Trapani or Egadi Islands, both located on the western coast of Sicily. The city of Trapani is well-known for being a hub for tuna fishing, and hosts a popular fish festival, the Cous Cous Fest, in May. Egadi Islands, especially Favignana, has a long history of tuna fishing, dating back to the Roman period. The island has preserved traditional fishing practices and hosts a Tuna Festival in June, where the event is showcased alongside a variety of local cultural exhibitions and experiences. Show more
When is the peak season to witness the traditional tuna fishing?
May and June are the peak months to witness La Mattanza, which is when tuna migrates to the Mediterranean Sea. May marks the Trapani Cous Cous Fest, which celebrates traditional North African cuisine with seafood as a main ingredient. June is when Favignana hosts the Tuna Festival, which features local culinary experiences, music, and the traditional tuna fishing event. These festivals offer an ideal opportunity for tourists to experience the cultural vibrancy of Sicily alongside the unique experience of La Mattanza. Show more
What is the main threat to tuna presence in the Mediterranean?
Industrial fishing and overfishing that use large nets are the main threats to tuna populations in the Mediterranean. These methods not only destruct fish habitat, but also capture other marine creatures that are crucial to the survival of the ecosystem. Industrial fishing has caused a severe decline in tuna populations, and therefore a threat to the entire ecosystem. However, La Mattanza, which is a sustainable and humane fishing method for catching abundant tuna populations in designated areas, is recognized by various organizations as a way to support the local economy while preserving marine biodiversity Show more
