tradition Archives

Prickly Pears, a sweet “Sicilian secret”

Posted on 02/09/2019 (21/01/2025) 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 […]

Mid August Day, feast of the Virgin Mary in Messina

Posted on 12/08/2019 (21/01/2025) 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 (22/01/2025) 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 (22/01/2025) 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 […]

Summer Festivals in the district of Siracusa

Posted on 30/06/2019 (21/01/2025) by Grazia Musumeci

If you are in Sicily during the summer months make an exception to the rule and choose the district of Siracusa, as your favorite destination. Not only for the now famous beauties that are absolutely worth the visit – the Greek ruins in Siracusa, the baroque of Noto and Palazzolo Acreide, the valley of the […]