Eyes on a plate: This is how one identifies Santa Lucia, the patroness of light, grain, wheat, and eyes. Legend is that her eyes were gouged out either to make herself unattractive to her pagan betrothed or upon her arrest when Roman soldiers could not move her from where she stood. She was a determined…
Category: divine feminine
Santa Lucia in New York City 2022
The shadows come early these days in the northern hemisphere. Santa Lucia, illustrated in this 1526 Gagini statue from the Duomo of Siracusa, reminds us to follow the light. Join Experience Sicily in New York City on Sunday, December 11 to celebrate the Feast of Santa Lucia at Pasta Eater. Featuring guest Sicilian chef Giuseppe…
Celebrate The Women In Your Life
Happy International Women’s Day! Buona Festa della Donna! International Women’s Day is celebrated throughout the world. It recognizes the contributions of women to society, originating in the labor and suffrage movements of the late 19th and 20th centuries. To celebrate today, recognize the women in your life, thanking them for their leadership and service.
Celebrate Santa Rosalia In July With Us
Santa Rosalia, the patroness of Palermo, presides over the piazza in front of the city’s cathedral. Rosalia lived during the 12th century. She was a hermit who swore off her noble upbringing and committed herself to her Christian faith. In July, we at Experience Sicily are hosting a 4-day Palermo experience from the 12-15, during…
Ex-votos For Ailments Of The Heart
At the sanctuary devoted to the Maria Santissima di Gulfi in Chiarmonte Gulfi (Ragusa Province), pilgrims offered heart ex-votos to the Virgin Mother. Ex-votos are iconographic body parts or other symbols that are given to the Madonna (That is, in this case. At other sacred sites, ex-votos would be offered to the divinity or saint…
Serendipitously Seen In Sicily: Lucia’s Relics Come Home
My friend Ed, who lives in Siracusa, sent me this photo (along with some video). On the Tuesday evening, the night of the solstice, he and his wife serendipitously came upon a marching band in the Piazza Duomo proudly performing as the fire department escorted the sacred relics of Santa Lucia back to their usual…
Lucia Lights The Way
Join me online on Monday evening (Eastern) to celebrate the Feast of Santa Lucia. I’ll discuss the legends, traditions, and history of Saint Lucy, the patroness of light, eyes, and wheat. I will also sing the beloved song Santa Lucia live. Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/celebrate-santa-lucia-online-with-experience-sicily-tickets-219247393857.
The Immaculate Conception In Sicily, December 8
Festa dell’Immacolata or the Feast of the Immaculate Conception is celebrated throughout Italy on December 8. The day recognizes that the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus, was conceived without original sin – something with which, in Catholic dogma, every person is considered to have been born. In Sicily, on December 7th and 8th, there…
Celebrate Santa Lucia 2021 With Experience Sicily
In Siracusa, veneration of Santa Lucia may be found in many locales, for example at this grocery store that I frequented last February during an extended stay. I saw this tamburello (frame drum) with the patroness of light, eyes, and grain on it, and I lept for joy! I want one! Join me next Monday,…
Celebrate Santa Lucia Online 2021
The Feast of Santa Lucia is on December 13, and that evening, I will host an online discussion and presentation about this highly venerated saint from Sicily. Join me to learn her story, traditions practiced for the feast, and why she carries eyes on a plate (?)! I will also be performing the beloved song…