Topsy-turvy Carnevale In Acireale, Sicily

Normally, this weekend would be the height of Carnevale in Acireale, Sicily. Carnevale or Carnival is the period leading up to Ash Wednesday and Lent. In pre-Christian times, this outdoor, spring festival, which took place before the arduous planting season, turned everything topsy-turvy: Masters would become the servents and servents the masters. Revelers would hide…

Masques For Carnevale In Sicily

Buon Martedì Grasso! Happy Fat Tuesday! Today marks the final day and pinnacle of Carnevale, a topsy-turvy, days-long party of letting go, hidden identity, and mischief that has been celebrated since ancient times. Today’s Carnevale is observed similarly to our American Halloween–children dress in costumes that they plan for weeks and adults attend parties during…

Fat Tuesday In New York City

We’re ready for Carnevale! Join Experience Sicily in New York City on FAT TUESDAY, February 25 at 7pm for Two Chefs from Sicily, a prix-fixe traditional Carnival Sicilian menu at Cacio e Vino! Chef Nino Elia., Chef Giuseppe Sciurca, with assistance from Valeria Signorino will be cooking up a party for you  Reserve your spot…

Topsy-turvy Carnevale in Sicily

Today is the final day of Carnevale! My cousin Francesca was in Sciacca this past weekend and took this photo. Sciacca boasts one of the leading celebrations in Sicily and Italy. Locals will tell you it’s been presented for centuries. Carnevale is the last hurrah before the planting season and before Lent, when many traditionally…

Carnevale, Valentine’s Day, Mythology, and Love in Sicily

Love is in the air! Today is Martedì Grasso–Fat Tuesday–the final day of Carnevale! It’s also the day before St. Valentine’s Day… mmm… considering the ancient practices of Carnevale, could it be related to how we interpret Valentine’s Day today? I’m not really sure, but I’ll venture to guess there is a relationship between the…