Such wagons where used for centuries to transport goods throughout the island. Drivers were known for their melismatic songs, which were often employed to entertain each other at rest stops and to stay awake while traveling during the night, when it was cooler to protect the fish, fruit, vegetables or other such perishable goods they…
Tag: saint george
Saint George And Sicilian Cart Drivers
San Giorgio, pictured on my father’s antique toy cart, is the protector of Sicilian cart drivers. Find out more about this and the pasta recipes named for the drivers this evening during our complimentary Experience Sicily online cooking experience featuring two recipes for Cart Driver’s Pasta. Details and registration at https://experiencesicily.com/events/online-sicily-events/cart-drivers-pasta/
Patron Saint George
I was so excited about Cerda’s artichokes yesterday, I failed to recognize Saint George’s feast day, which was 23 April. But, don’t despair! All week in Modica, where he is the patron of the town, there are events leading up to the annual procession and celebration, which will be on Sunday, April 29. Here, you’ll…
The Feast of Saint George
This image of Saint George is from my father’s toy Sicilian cart from the 1950s. The hand-painted miniature is a prized family possession. You’ll see Saint George on many carts, especially the back support, because he protects the cart drivers and their horses. This weekend in the town of Piana degli Albanesi in Palermo province,…
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…