As our daylight time gets shorter here in the northern hemisphere, we think about the importance of light, and in Sicily, that equates to the patron saint of light, eyes, sight, and wheat, Santa Lucia or Saint Lucy. December 13 is her feast day, and before the Gregorian calendar was installed, under the Roman calendar, December 13 also marked the winter solstice, the darkest day of the year. There is much significance to Saint Lucy and her feast day, which over the coming weeks, we’ll learn more about.

In the meantime, mark your calendars, because this coming Sunday, December 13 in New York City, Experience Sicily is partnering with Eolo Seasonal Sicilian Kitchen for a special afternoon feast celebrating Santa Lucia. We’ll enjoy traditional dishes (cuccia and arancine), live music (by my duo Villa Palagonia), a lecture-discussion about the feast (by yours truly), and Gelsomino Imports will be on hand with artisanal products from Sicily, so you can also get some Christmas shopping in!

More details coming soon. If you’re anxious to reserve your spot in advance, contact Eolo at 646-225-6606.