Attending the Feast of Sant’Alfio in Lentini last week during Photography in Sicily was very moving. The annual ritual they practice is called “I Nudi,” the nudes. Devotees are barefoot and only dressed in shorts (women wear shirts) carrying flowers in one hand and holding their other hand at their backs. In this posture, they…
Author: Allison Scola
Owner, ExperienceSicily.com | Communications, Marketing, and Public Relations Professional | Singer, Songwriter, and Musician | Independent Scholar of Sicilian Culture
Mimmo Weaves His Fishing Net In Sicily
This is Mimmo. He was kind enough to allow me to take his picture. Today, I’m starting our Photography in Sicily photo adventure with Don Toothaker and Hunt’s Photo, so I was inspired the other day to take a portrait of Mimmo when I peeked in his workshop, where he was making his fishing net….
A Fishing Boat In Porticello Inspires Me To Remember
Commercial fishing boat in Porticello (Palermo Province), the village where my grandfather was born and lived before emigrating to the United States in April 1913 My grandfather was 17 years old when he emigrated. First, like many from Porticello, he went to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he worked as a marble mason. Eventually, he settled in…
Heritage Visit To Valguarnera Caropepe
One of my favorite things is to connect my clients to their heritage. Even better is when we can unite someone with a distant relative. Yesterday, thanks to our local insider in Valguarnera Caropepe, Paolo, Maryann met Franca, her third cousin for the first time! They share the same third greatgrandparents. Tears all around! Just…
Flying Into Sicily: Palermo Or Catania?
When traveling to Sicily, plan to fly into one airport and out of the other. That way, you don’t lose a day going back to where you started. For example, if you arrived in Palermo and you will be here for more than 7 days, then I recommend that you leave from Catania after traveling…
How The Passion Of Jesus Is Expressed In Sicily
The passion of Jesus is expressed through statue scenes that are carried through the medieval streets of Erice on Good Friday. This is one example of such life-like sculptures that are processed through many towns that host such a traditional. Trapani is another outstanding place to witness “I Misteri.”
Our Saint Joseph’s Day Feast 2023
This glimpse into our Saint Joseph’s Day feast in New York City on Sunday, March 19 is just that – – a glimpse. It’s hard to capture the lovely feeling in the room that was created by people being together to celebrate spring’s arrival and the powerful San Giuseppe. I feel so blessed to have…
Saint Joseph’s Day 2023 in New York City
This Sunday, March 19, join Experience Sicily in New York City for a traditional Saint Joseph’s Day luncheon prix-fixe menu from Cacio e Vino restaurant that includes maccu di fave, pasta con le sarde, and more, coupled with of course, sfungi di San Giuseppe! Food is one aspect of our event which will also include…
A Cannoli Moment In Palermo
There are spots on tomorrow’s Cannoli Crawl, and still time to sign up! There is also availabilty on Saturday, April 8th’s tour. Register at link in bio or at https://cannolicrawl.com. Join me in New York City to know why this beautiful pastry from Palermo, pictured, is, well, the model for a memorable moment. *Stuffed upon…
Bread Loaves for Saint Joseph Day 2023
Today was our annual Saint Joseph’s ritual breadmaking workshop. This year, Experience Sicily partnered with National Organization of Italian American Women. This bread making practice is a form of prayer to San Giuseppe. The loaves, which are made in the shape of flowers, doves, fava beans, and carpentry tools, to name a few, are meant…