Ritual Bread For Saint Joseph

Food historians believe grains were introduced to Sicily in approximately 1000 BCE by the Phoenicians. By 150 BCE, during the Roman era, grain became the base of island’s cuisine. By 1000 CE, during the Arab era, the majority of Sicily’s landscape was dedicated to grain agriculture, and that remains true today. Once you learn the…

An Altar For Saint Joseph

Altars for San Giuseppe or Saint Joseph may be seen throughout Sicily. The patron saint of fathers, carpenters, and those who toil for their work, he is extremely important to Sicilians. Friday, March 19 is St. Joseph’s Day. Next Thursday, March 18 at 8PM Eastern and Friday, March 19 at 5PM Eastern, I will offer…

An Altar For Santa Rosalia

Normally on September 4, devotees of Santa Rosalia, Palermo’s patroness, recognize their protectress with a solemn pilgrimage to her sanctuary at the top of Mount Pellegrino. They pay homage to the maiden who died on this day in 1166, with prayers, solitude, and a trek up the mountain barefoot or on their knees. This year…