Tag: festa
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Porticello and the Madonna del Lume
The Feast of the Madonna del Lume, the Madonna of the Light, in Porticello is a special one for me not only because the people’s devotion to her is so strong – – something beautiful to witness, but also because Porticello is where my grandfather, who came from a fishing and merchant family, was born. …
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Santa Lucia Will Light Our Way: Join Us On Dec. 10 in New York City
Today in NY the day grew dark very early. This is when I know that the Feast of Santa Lucia is drawing close. On Sun., Dec. 10 at Cacio e Pepe restaurant in New York City, we’ll gather together for our annual Sicilian-inspired luncheon for the patroness of light, eyes, insight, and wheat. It’s time…
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September 8 Marks A Rebirth
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…
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Santa Lucia Was Grounded In Her Faith
On Sunday in New York City, we will celebrate Santa Lucia with a traditional lunch at Pasta Eater restaurant prepared by guest che Giuseppe Sciurca. Full, four-course menu (including cuccìa), live concertino of Sicilian songs, raffle of Sicily-inspired products, and an altar and presentation for Santa Lucia. Register at https://experiencesicily.com/events/festa-di-santa-lucia/ Santa Lucia was born in…
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Santa Lucia in New York City 2022
The shadows come early these days in the northern hemisphere. Santa Lucia, illustrated in this 1526 Gagini statue from the Duomo of Siracusa, reminds us to follow the light. Join Experience Sicily in New York City on Sunday, December 11 to celebrate the Feast of Santa Lucia at Pasta Eater. Featuring guest Sicilian chef Giuseppe…
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52 Reasons to Love Sicily | #16. Fantastic Feasts and Festivals
And then of course, there are annual and biannual commemorations for deities and patron saints throughout the region that include everything from making ritual breads for Saint Joseph and Saint Blaze and decorating the streets with linens and flowers for the Pentecost, for just two examples, to processions for feasts recognizing Easter, the Madonna, Christ,…
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The Staff, Wreath, And Palm: Ritual Bread For Saint Joseph’s Day
Join me to recognize St. Joseph’s Day on Thursday, March 18 at 8PM Eastern. Register at https://experiencesicily.com/st-josephs-day-online/ You’ll learn more about the feast. Such as, on traditional St. Joseph’s Day altars or le tavolate di San Giuseppe, you will see these three types of loaves pictured. On the left is the staff (vastuni), which represents…
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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…
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Join Us Thursday For Saint Joseph’s Day Online
Join me on Thursday, March 18 at 8PM Eastern for an online presentation for Saint Joseph’s Day. More details and register at https://experiencesicily.com/st-josephs-day-online/ San Giuseppe is the patron of fathers, carpenters, and those who toil for their work. He is probably Sicily’s most important saint.