sicily Archives

Prickly Pears, a sweet “Sicilian secret”

Posted on 02/09/2019 (20/12/2024) by Grazia Musumeci

The prickly pear, as the word itself says, is not a Sicilian fruit. It was “discovered” by the first Europeans who colonized America – then mistakenly called India – and initially it was not thought at all as a food. It was exhibited in gardens and botanical parks as a curiosity to amaze guests or […]

Avola, the queen of Sicilian almonds

Posted on 26/08/2019 (21/12/2024) by Grazia Musumeci

Avola, in the district of Siracusa, is a large, bright and baroque town. This is due to the earthquake that destroyed the old village in 1693, forcing the people to move from the hills to valley. The town you admire today is the result of that brand new rebuilding of the 18th century. Go visiting […]

Nicolosi and its Red Mountains

Posted on 18/08/2019 (21/12/2024) 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 (20/12/2024) 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 (21/12/2024) 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 […]