Experience Sicily

Tag: Italy

  • The Immaculate Conception In Sicily, December 8

    Festa dell’Immacolata or the Feast of the Immaculate Conception is celebrated throughout Italy on December 8. The day recognizes that the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus, was conceived without original sin – something with which, in Catholic dogma, every person is considered to have been born. In Sicily, on December 7th and 8th, there…

  • Celebrate Santa Lucia 2021 With Experience Sicily

    In Siracusa, veneration of Santa Lucia may be found in many locales, for example at this grocery store that I frequented last February during an extended stay. I saw this tamburello (frame drum) with the patroness of light, eyes, and grain on it, and I lept for joy! I want one! Join me next Monday,…

  • The Magical Iblean Mountains

    Sitting upon a shelf of limestone that is part of the African tectonic plate, the magical Iblean Mountains were featured on Italian television today, for a good reason: They possess a mysterious beauty with a profound history – – both human and natural. For those interested in both and who want to hike while in…

  • Sicilian Red Wine: Nero D’Avola

    Nero d’Avola is a grape native to Sicily. In recent years, this varietal has become more present on wine lists in the United States. Look for it the next time you’re at your favorite Italian restaurant. And tell me what you think!

  • Celebrate Santa Lucia Online 2021

    The Feast of Santa Lucia is on December 13, and that evening, I will host an online discussion and presentation about this highly venerated saint from Sicily. Join me to learn her story, traditions practiced for the feast, and why she carries eyes on a plate (?)! I will also be performing the beloved song…

  • Bizzarely-Named Foods: These Sicilian Cookies

    Normally, I avoid posting two food pictures in succession, but I wanted to thank journalist Sharon McDonnell for including me in her latest story for Fodor’s Travel about bizarrely-named foods! (Thank you!) When McDonnell asked for such examples, these biscotti immediately came to mind. Called Lingua di Suocera, or Mother-Law’s Tongue, perhaps this pastry gets…

  • Sicilian Fig Cookies For The Holidays

    Sicilian fig cookies for the holidays! Also known as cuccidati, cudduredde, and buccellati. Let’s make these together! Save the date: Friday, Dec. 17 in the evening (Eastern), an online workshop. Registration details to come.

  • Brown Cows In Sicily

    Modican cows are a beautiful breed that are primarily cultivated in southeastern Sicily. Their milk is used to make excellent cheese and ricotta. Note that the cannoli in Ragusa Province, where this photo was taken) are (more often than not) made with ricotta from Modican cows.

  • Covering Up At Monreale Cathedral

    The 228 magnificent columns of the cloister of Montreale Cathedral outside of Palermo each tell a story. Illustrated here are Adam and Eve.