“Il festivo,” which takes place in Palermo on the evening of July 14 in honor of Santa Rosalia, is a big street party that unifies the city’s citizens through a procession that symbolically purifies the metropolis from the evils that have long afflicted it. The events of the party are a mix of folklore, religion,…
Tag: festino
Babbaluce are from the Land
The snails used to make Babbaluce, the traditional food for Il Festino in Palermo, are actually land snails. During this time of year you can see them all over Sicily on fences, logs, rocks, and more. Once collected (by hand!) and cleaned, they are steamed and tossed with garlic, olive oil, salt, and fresh Italian…
Healing Bones
“Viva Palermo e viva Santa Rosalia!” July 14 and 15 marks the Feast of Santa Rosalia in Palermo. Last night was Il Festino, an event that I’ve blogged about in the past. Different from the revelry of Il Festino, on the 15th, citizens practice a solemn tradition: the clergy parade the saint’s bones through the city…
“Viva Palermo e Viva Santa Rosalia!”
The main event of the Feast of Santa Rosalia is “il festino” on July 14. Il festino is a mix of folklore, religion, street food, socializing, and modern events such as art exhibitions and concerts. The city of Palermo swings into holiday mode, and after lunch, the Center’s streets are designated for foot traffic only….