sicily Archives

Nicolosi and its Red Mountains

Posted on 18/08/2019 (09/09/2024) by Grazia Musumeci

A town and the volcano closely linked, for better or for worse, in life and death and in the return to life. Here is a summary of the history of Nicolosi and its “Monti Rossi” (Red Mountains), the cones that determined both the terrible eruption that upset this side of Etna and the natural beauty […]

Mid August Day, feast of the Virgin Mary in Messina

Posted on 12/08/2019 (09/09/2024) by Grazia Musumeci

In Sicily every city has a saint to pray for protection and hope. Catholic worship has thus replaced an ancient peasant paganism that was linked to gods and goddesses of the earth or the sea. The city of Messina differs a bit from tradition because it is directly voted to the Virgin Mary, both on […]

Mysteries of Sicily, where to test your fears

Posted on 04/08/2019 (09/09/2024) by Grazia Musumeci

If you have already booked your tour on Mt Etna with your guide, you certainly are brave enough to face the steep paths, the roars and fountains of fire of an active volcano. But will you be as brave if you see … a ghost? Or if you hear a scary tale? Or any other […]

Medieval Festivals in Sicily

Posted on 29/07/2019 (09/09/2024) by Grazia Musumeci

In Sicily, the Middle Ages left very deep traces. Not so much in architecture, which was almost completely replaced by the Baroque one in the 18th century, but in the traditions. Peasant traditions, linked to superstitious rituals, and feudal traditions that recall the descent of the “lords” among their own people. We can say that […]

Mt Etna, the eruption of July 27 is over

Posted on 29/07/2019 (09/09/2024) by Grazia Musumeci

(photo above: Grazia Musumeci – photo in the article by Massimo Tamajo Fotografo Naturalista) The spectacular eruption that resulted from the nth fracture of the New South East Crater lasted less than 24 hours. In addition to the continuous emissions of gas and ash, a copious river of lava started from the new vent, which […]