After having given the usual resounding welcome to the new year, we find ourselves in the first week of January already planning the near future. Whether you are a permanent resident or a tourist, when you have the privilege of living at the foot of a volcano like Etna all your choices will also revolve around its “moods”. Here we suggest some ideas, five ways to start the year well on Etna or in its immediate surroundings. Five things that you could – and should – do to kick off 2025 in the best possible way, in this corner of Sicily.
A Snowshoe Hike at Etna North
Celebrate the beauty of the seasons … which on Mount Etna are all there! … by treating yourself to a trip up the snow-covered paths. You could also choose to enjoy a sled or ski descent at the Piano Provenzana facilities, but in general the entire side of Etna North is beautiful in winter. We suggest a snowshoe excursion, so you can admire the beauty of the Etna snow calmly, without rushing or worrying. The paths that everyone can do are the one that leads to Timparossa and the one that runs along the Sartorius craters.
A “Skier” in Zafferana Etnea
Tradition has it that, in winter, when you go up or down the slopes of Etna, you stop in the square in Zafferana Etnea to … eat a skier! No, don’t worry, no episode of cannibalism! The Sciatore (skier) is a typical biscuit from the local pastry shops, usually covered in white icing or chocolate, to be dipped in large cups of coffee, cappuccino or hot tea. All of this, obviously, with a view of Etna from the window!
A delicious chocolate in Belpasso
You can have a nice breakfast with a view of Etna almost anywhere, along the perimeter of our great volcano. We suggest you start the year with a sweet tasting of the excellent nougats (torroncini) of Belpasso, accompanied by a warm, delicious chocolate. Belpasso offers one of the most beautiful views of the summit of Etna: from the main street, via Roma, you can admire the profile of the church of Sant’Antonio di Padova dominated by the gigantic craters of the volcano. The best point to see this view is from street-number 280 up.
A beautiful eruption … if possible!
All visitors arrive on Etna with the hope of enjoying a great eruption which, with the contrast of the snow cover, creates colors and spectacles unique in the world. This would be a great way to start the year, but it depends on Etna and what it “decides”. Usually our volcano loves to celebrate the beginnings, but it does not always do so in accordance with the wishes of us humans. In the absence of fire you can always “console yourself” with a guided tour of the places of the most famous eruptions.
Admire the fires of the Saints
January is the month in which many Etna towns celebrate their patron saints. They usually do so with very festive traditions, linked to the element of fire – and it couldn’t be otherwise! Among the most spectacular we point out Saint Mauro in Viagrande (January 15th), Saint Anthony in Aci Sant’Antonio (January 17th) and the spectacular Saint Sebastian’s Race through the baroque streets of Acireale (20th). A celebration similar to the one in Acireale, also dedicated to Saint Sebastian but in a more subdued tone, can be admired in Santa Venerina on the eastern side of the volcano, on January 27th. Bonfires, fireworks and exciting rituals (don’t miss the touching “Goodbye to the Train” of Saint Sebastian’s devotees at the old station of Acireale) will fill these days with positive vibrations.
And you? How will you start your new year on Mount Etna? (PHOTOS BY GRAZIA MUSUMECI)