Tag: modica
-
Uphill in Modica
Street, Modica Now, imagine a group of men carrying a very heavy statue of Saint George slaying a dragon up this hill, galloping. That’s what’s happening today in author and poet Salvatore Quasimodo’s (1901-1968) hometown for la Festa di San Giorgio.
-
Galloping through Modica
The Sangiuggiari, or devotees of Saint George in Modica, will process the statue of San Giorgio slaying a dragon through the town’s streets on Sunday, May 24. Confetti and fireworks annually mark the start of a winding parade during which faithful men carry the heavy statue on their shoulders–sometimes galloping to simulate the horse on…
-
The Pearl for Saint George
The magnificent cathedral in Modica, pictured, is dedicated to Saint George (c.275 – 303 AD). On Sunday in the UNESCO recognized Baroque town, for Saint George’s Day (which falls on April 23), devotees of “San Giorgio” celebrate the Christian martyr. Saint George grew up in the Middle East devoted to Jesus. The son of a…
-
Maccu di Favi, Fava Bean Puree
There is no mistake that Saint Joseph’s Day coincides with the spring equinox. In the Northern Hemisphere, the month of March marks a period of scarcity before the Earth yields new crops. The festivities of the Feast are linked to the land, vegetation, and the animal kingdom. It is a feast of thanksgiving for having…
-
Sit Back and Enjoy the Ride
As you travel between Modica, Scicli, and Ragusa in south eastern Sicily, take note of the wheat fields and the long, man-made stone walls.
-
The Feast of the Immaculate Conception
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 are many…
-
The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Yes, we’ve all been waiting for the Modica Chocolate Festival, ChocoModica! From December 5 to 8, the capital of Sicilian chocolate, Modica, becomes the center of attention. I’ve talked about Modica chocolate before: it’s a special recipe that Sicilian chocolatiers created combining the rich cocoa brought to…
-
Enchanting Sicily, Day 5: Chocolate Choice
LIVE from Sicily! | Hmmm… Which flavor of Modica chocolate from Dolceria Bonajuto should I purchase to bring home? I decided on cardamon and cinnamon: two very Sicilian spices. | Enchanting Sicily tour, Day 5.
-
Cave In
On the way between Scicli and Modica you’ll find deep valleys flanked by steep stone cliffs. Among those cliffs, you’ll find caves carved into the rock. During times of bandits and foreign invasions, cave dwelling in southeastern Sicily was common, and as more modern construction techniques entered the scene, the cave became part of one’s…