Experience Sicily

Category: Observations about Culture

  • Buccellati: Sicilian Christmas Cookies and Cake

    Buccellati cookies and cake (pictured) are made with a filling of chopped dried figs, pumpkin jam, honey, raisins, almonds, orange rind, cinnamon, and Marsala wine. These goodies are synonymous with Christmas in Sicily. Look at the beautiful detail in the cake design!

  • Thank You Alessia! Viva Santa Lucia!

    We had a wonderful online celebration for the Feast of Santa Lucia today! Thanks to Alessia Liistro of Smile and Food for teaching us your arancini and cuccìa recipes from your kitchen in Siracusa! Viva Santa Lucia patroness of light, eyes, wheat, grains, and the harvest!

  • Santa Lucia Answered Their Prayers

    Today we’ll make rice balls and cuccìa at noon (eastern time) for Santa Lucia. Details at https://experiencesicily.com/santa-lucia-2020/  In the days leading up to the Feast of Santa Lucia, December 13, many Sicilians refrain from eating pasta and only eat un-ground wheat grain, or “farro,” that is prepared as a dish called cuccìa. Devotees observe this ritual…

  • Learn To Make Rice Balls For Santa Lucia

    Let’s make arancini next Sunday for Santa Lucia! Although we can’t meet in person to celebrate la Festa di Santa Lucia this year, we can meet online! Together with my friend and colleague in Sicily, Alessia of Smile and Food, we’ll be teaching you how to make rice balls (Arancini) and cuccia (sweet farro traditionally…

  • Sicilian Tarantella Is Old School Speed Dating

    If you’ve ever square danced in the United States, then you already have a glimpse into the culture of Sicilian tarantella folk dance. This scene filmed in 2019 at a party I attended is of rehearsed choreography, but if done traditionally, Sicilian tarantella has specific steps that dancers know, and they follow a caller while…

  • Drinking Sangue In Palermo

    Yes, “Sangue,” meaning blood. It’s a sweet wine typical to Palermo–a cross between Marsala and Zibibbo. The locals drink it at the Taverna Azzurra in La Vucciria market. And here, Eric and I are raising a glass–definitely to a sweeter time. Hang in there, we’ll get through this! I got through drinking Sangue, after all.…

  • Sicilian-Style Fiat 500

    This Fiat 500, painted by Ceramiche Galfano in the style of a Sicilian cart, can be found outside the Selinunte archaeological park in Castelveltrano. Be sure to leave some extra time to stop by the shop to visit this masterpiece and pick up a few ceramics and other unique artisanal items.

  • A Stroll In Termini Imerese, Sicily

    The Duomo di San Nicola di Bari as seen on a stroll through Termini Imerese with Monte San Calogero in the background

  • Book Reading And Discussion: Sicilian Americans

    Join Us Online this Thursday for a heartwarming evening that will connect you to Sicily and the world of Ameri-Sicula! Experience Sicily presents Ameri-Sicula: Sicilian Culture in America, A Book Reading and Discussion. When: Thur., Nov. 19, 7:30. Zoom. Complimentary. Edited by Mark Hehl, Ameri-Sicula: Sicilian Culture in America is a new book published by…