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…
Category: Observations about Culture
Wheat, Wheat Everywhere! Sicily’s Economic Engine
Wheat. Hard durum wheat. To truly understand Sicily, one must understand that the act of cultivating grains on the island has probably been the main economic engine of the region for millenia. The Greeks started it, but the Romans made it their main business in Sicily. They had an empire to feed, after all. From…
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…
Family Lunch in Caccamo, Sicily
I was blessed to spend today, New Year’s Day, with my family in Caccamo. This is the view from the agriturismo where we had lunch (NB a three and a half hour lunch!). We ate local sausages and cheeses cultivated and created from these hills. We also celebrated my cousin Tanina’s 80th birthday, and of…
May 2022 Enchanting Sicily | We’ve Done So Much
We’ve been so busy, it’s been difficult to post about all we’ve done the last week. And, we still have 6 days to soak up Sicily! Here are some highlights of our village experience today in the Sicani Mountains north of Agrigento.
Ceramic Pinecones In Sicily
Pinecones are a powerful symbol that you’ll see all over Sicily and southern Italy in ceramic (like these shown) on balconies, front gates, and prominently displayed inside homes. The significance of pinecones in modern times is one of hospitality and welcoming, but not only. The pinecone as a botanical is a reproductive organ. Female pinecones…
Easter Surprise (Put Your Phone Down)
Put your phone down and look around. As I stood at the bar at Don Gino enjoying my caffè macchiato and observing the comings and goings of the moment, I noticed across the pasticceria a tasting happening. The baker (pictured) had appeared from the kitchen and asked the cashier to come taste her new colomba…
Sicilian Traffic Jam
Today, while out in the countryside, we were brought to a hault during this Sicilian-style traffic jam. I Iove when this happens!
Sicilian Ceramics By Mirella Pipia
The beautiful ceramics of Mirella Pipia need to be shared! Mirella Pipia hails from Bagheria, where you can visit her workshop and boutique. An artist in every sense of the word, Pipia’s works are inspired by the myths and folklore of Sicily, but even more so by her mother’s needlework in tadding and lace. So…
Slow Down To Have An Espresso
Tanina and I in her kitchen in 2007, having “a moment.” That is, an espresso together. Because having an espresso with someone you love and care for is a cherished moment. It’s also a special moment to share with someone you’ve just met. Standing shoulder to shoulder at the coffee bar is a ritual not…