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…
Tag: Bagheria
January 2, 2023 In Sicily
Today… Oh, today. I apologize to my friends in New York. Yes, this was the absolutely perfect day we had in Sicily today at my favorite place to swim (If you follow me, you’ve seen this view from Capo Zafferano looking at Palermo before.). In my opinion, the Tyrrhenian Sea this time of year is…
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 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…
We’ll Find A Villa In Sicily For You
Making plans for a family vacation in June at Capo Zafferano. This is the view from a villa we toured today. We’ll take it!
Stunning Sicily October 2021, Day 9
Ciao from Stunning Sicily, Day 9! After bidding farewell to our wonderful hosts in the Sicani mountains, we made our way to Bagheria to the fantastic Villa Palagonia. There our guide Giulia Scalia explained the curious Villa of the Monsters and its historic owner’s motivations for the mysterious statues that decorate it. The hall of…
San Pio A Modern-day Saint
Small homegrown shrines are very common in Sicily. This one near my cousins’ home in Bagheria is dedicated to the recently canonized (2002) San Pio (1887-1968).
The Lighthouse At Capo Zafferano
Some days I just have to post a photo of something that makes me feel good. Like this photo of “la mia terra,” the land from where my grandparents came. I’m looking forward to being back here at Capo Zafferano in a few weeks! Yes, you too, can enjoy the views. Join me in Sicily…
Sunset Over The Three Pools
Take me to your wild waters. See you soon Sicily! (Le Tre Piscine, Bagheria)
The Arco Azzurro of Mongerbino
The “Arco Azzurro ” is a natural archway that extends over the blue sea along the coast between Aspra and Mongerbino, Sicily.