Celebrate La Festa di Santa Lucia or Saint Lucy in New York City
During the 1646 famine, Sicilians believe their prayers to Saint Lucia were answered when a quail flew into a church just as news of wheat arrived. Today, devotees honor her with a statue procession and serve cuccìa and arancine.
Our annual event features a delicious menu, Sicilian folk music and a presentation by Allison Scola about Saint Lucia.
Sunday, December 7, 2025 at 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Cacio e Pepe, 182 2nd Avenue, New York, NY
$105/person
Join us to celebrate Saint Lucy!
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 to remember the severe famine that struck Siracusa and Palermo in 1646.
During that time of Spanish domination, the faithful prayed to their patron saint, Lucia, seeking relief. Finally in May during a mass, a squawking quail flew into the duomo in Ortigia (NB, the name “Ortigia” comes from the Ancient Greek word “ortyx,” which means quail.). At the same moment, a messenger entered the church announcing that ships had arrived carrying wheat grain. All hailed it a miracle, attributing the relief to Santa Lucia having answered their prayers.
Now, annually for her feast day in December devotees process her precious silver statue through the streets and only eat cuccìa and arancine as homage to the patron saint of eyes, sight, light, and wheat.
Along with the full menu, the afternoon will include a short concert of Sicilian folk songs and folk music inspired by Sicily. Allison Scola of Experience Sicily will lead a presentation about the history and cult of Santa Lucia.
Your reservation cost also includes entrance into a raffle for artisanal products from Sicily and gift cards from Experience Sicily boutique tours & creative travel planning. We’ll pass out raffle entry tickets during the afternoon so you can enter.
Limited to 40 guests.
Pre-fixe Menu
Antipasti
Zuppa di Maccu di Fave
(Fava bean soup)
Arancine di Carne
(Rice balls with meat ragu)
Arancine di Spinaci
(Rice balls with spinach)
Primo
Insalada Mista (served family style)
Secondi (Choice of 3)
Polpette con spinaci e patate
(Meat balls with spinach and potatoes)
or
Salmone con crema di pecorino, crema di ricci di mare, cime di rapa
(Salmon, pecorino cream, sea urchin cream, broccoli rabe)
or
Pollo “Saltimbocca”
(Chicken wrapped in prosciutto, potatoes and broccoli)
Dessert
To Drink
Tax & Gratuity are also included.