Last evening, in anticipation for today’s Feast of the Madonna, I made a pilgrimage to Tindari to see the procession of the Madonna Nera, the Black Madonna of Tindari. I’ve been devoted to this Madonna for many years, so to finally be able to attend the feast with other devotees was special for me. Tindari…
Category: Feasts
September 8 Marks A Rebirth
September 8 is considered the birthday of the Blessed Mother by the Catholic Church. As a result, throughout Sicily this week, there are festivals to celebrate the Madonna. It’s not clear why this date was officially chosen as such; however, let’s consider the cycle for cultivating grain — an essential crop for sustaining life in…
Lentini, Sicily’s Feast for Sant’Alfio
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…
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…
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…
Sant’Agata Illustrated Strength Through Her Faith
Viva Sant’Agata! The three day mid-winter Feast of Sant’Agata is upon us! Agata was a virgin martyr who died in 251 CE. Legend is that she was the beautiful daughter of a wealthy family from Catania. A faithful Christian, Agatha swore herself to Jesus. Important to know, during her lifetime, Christianity was illegal under Roman…
La Befana In Sicily
The visit of the friendly witch La Befana is celebrated on Epiphany Eve (January 5) throughout Italy and Sicily. La Befana is recognized because of her broomstick, shawl, and sack filled with sweets and gifts for children. Legend is that she originally set out to meet the Baby Jesus, but never found her way to…
Santa Lucia Was Grounded In Her Faith
On Sunday in New York City, we will celebrate Santa Lucia with a traditional lunch at Pasta Eater restaurant prepared by guest che Giuseppe Sciurca. Full, four-course menu (including cuccìa), live concertino of Sicilian songs, raffle of Sicily-inspired products, and an altar and presentation for Santa Lucia. Register at https://experiencesicily.com/events/festa-di-santa-lucia/ Santa Lucia was born in…