Balcony and front door in the UNESCO recognized town of Palazzolo Acreide
Tag: siracusa
Votive Offerings Through The Millennia
Archaeologists are very careful to identify to whom an ancient temple is dedicated until they have concrete evidence (and I don’t just mean concrete in the sense of stone!). In Siracusa, for example, we know that the temple to Apollo on Ortigia is for Apollo because there is an inscription on the east-facing stairs stating…
Piazza Della Vittoria Is A Victory For The Goddess
It’s not lost on me (or my friend, tour guide Rosa Rizza) that when they broke ground in 1973 at Piazza della Vittoria in Siracusa to build the Sanctuary for the Madonna of the Tears, that where they intended to place the church, they discovered the foundation of the late 5th/early 4th century BCE Sanctuary…
The Rolling Hills Of Palazzolo Acreide
The countryside of the southeastern Sicilian town of Palazzolo Acreide
Sicily Is In An Orange Zone
Sicily is currently at the height of its orange producing season, when many different varieties of this beloved citrus fruit are sweet, juicy, and ready to be eaten right from the millions of trees throughout the island. In addition, importantly, Sicilians have reason to celebrate. Today the region moved from being designated a “Red Zone,”…
Thank You Alessia! Viva Santa Lucia!
We had a wonderful online celebration for the Feast of Santa Lucia today! Thanks to Alessia Liistro of Smile and Food for teaching us your arancini and cuccìa recipes from your kitchen in Siracusa! Viva Santa Lucia patroness of light, eyes, wheat, grains, and the harvest!
Santa Lucia Answered Their Prayers
Today we’ll make rice balls and cuccìa at noon (eastern time) for Santa Lucia. Details at https://experiencesicily.com/santa-lucia-2020/ In the days leading up to the Feast of Santa Lucia, December 13, many Sicilians refrain from eating pasta and only eat un-ground wheat grain, or “farro,” that is prepared as a dish called cuccìa. Devotees observe this ritual…
They Stabbed Lucia With A Dagger
Please join Experience Sicily online to celebrate the Feast of Santa Lucia this Sunday, Dec. 13 at Noon Eastern. Reserve your spot at https://experiencesicily.com/santa-lucia-2020/ (Story continued from yesterday…) Like Sant’Agata of Catania before her, the maiden Lucia refused to participate in the activities of the brothel to which she was condemned. This of course, angered the…
Celebrate Santa Lucia Online With Us Sunday
Sunday, join us for Santa Lucia! At the dawn of the 4th century, practicing Christianity in the Roman-ruled city of Siracusa was illegal. Already though, inspired by nearby Catania’s Patron Saint, Sant’Agata, who lived just a few decades before (from 231 AD – 251 AD), the young and beautiful Lucia devoted herself to the new…
Learn To Make Rice Balls For Santa Lucia
Let’s make arancini next Sunday for Santa Lucia! Although we can’t meet in person to celebrate la Festa di Santa Lucia this year, we can meet online! Together with my friend and colleague in Sicily, Alessia of Smile and Food, we’ll be teaching you how to make rice balls (Arancini) and cuccia (sweet farro traditionally…