Etna is not only a fascinating volcano that attracts tourists from all over the world, but it is also a large mountain rich in diversity – natural and cultural – that changes with each season. And during the winter season, even on Etna, Christmas takes on an enveloping meaning. A mix of sacred, legendary and profane that is best expressed in the “Christmas Markets”, which have now become a trend here too.
Christmas Markets: a distant tradition
Christmas Markets are an ancient and distant tradition, which has nothing to do with the Sicilian and therefore Etnean identity. These markets are typical of the cold nations of Northern Europe and, in Italy, the tradition was widespread in the Alpine region: the Christmas Markets of Bolzano, Merano and Trento are still very famous today.
For some years, the machine of wild consumerism has meant that the fashion of “markets” has spread everywhere in the world. Often associated with Santa Claus or the nativity scene of the moment, the Markets have now also betrayed their very identity. In fact, they were once created to sell toys and sweets…today you can find objects of all kinds, including household appliances!
Christmas Markets in Sicily
In Sicily, the trend of Christmas Markets is very recent. They have spread across the island since the early 2000s and have now taken hold everywhere. Both the large cities (Catania and Palermo above all) and the small towns now boast Christmas fairs of all shapes, sizes and… displays! Whether they are the classic wooden stalls, real gazebos or even shopping centers “decorated” in the shape of market stands, the tradition of the Christmas market is now an important feature of the Christmas holiday.
The Christmas Markets of Etna
If you find yourself on a trip to Etna, during the Christmas holidays, between an excursion and (if you are lucky) an eruption, you can also take a tour and admire the most beautiful markets in the area.
If you exclude the big parade organized by the city of Catania – with the markets that cover the whole of Piazza Università and the Santa Claus Village that fills an entire exhibition area on the seafront street, the Christmas Markets of Acireale (small photo) are certainly worth a visit. Here, the beauty of the baroque architecture all around gives a unique atmosphere to the small stalls decorated with lights and festoons. The markets of Acireale remain traditional with the sale of sweets, toys and crafts.
It is also worth visiting the Christmas Markets of Viagrande, organized at the elegant Palazzo Grifeo-Paranna and with the sale of classic gastronomic and craft products. Caltagirone is the city of Markets par excellence. Here you can find the best production of local ceramics and terracotta for sale, both as artistic nativity scenes and as souvenirs and useful items for everyday life. There is no shortage of wonderful ancient toys!
Zafferana and Pedara organize their markets in the main squares, embellished with elegant churches and small and large gardens. Zafferana also offers a panoramic view of both the coast and, if it happens, of the erupting Etna too!
The most romantic markets, however, are certainly those organized in Bronte, home of pistachio, and those organized every year in the fascinating setting of the ancient medieval neighbourhoods of Castiglione di Sicilia. (PHOTOS BY GRAZIA MUSUMECI)