Sicily: Where Tradition, History, and Myth Come Together
The beautiful island of Sicily, located in the Mediterranean Sea, is a place where tradition, history, and myth intertwine like nowhere else in the world. This is evident in the Strait of Messina, where feluccas, traditional swordfish fishing boats, glide between Scylla and Charybdis. This journey into the heart of Sicily reveals a culture that is alive and thriving, not just confined to museums.
The island’s rich history can be seen in the stone archives of its cities, which tell the story of a land that has been inhabited for thousands of years. The Necropolis of Pantalica is a prime example of this, as well as the famous Valley of the Temples. This complex not only showcases the legacy of Greek colonization, but also serves as evidence of the island’s political, religious, and commercial importance in the Mediterranean. Over time, Sicily has been ruled by various civilizations, as can be seen on the Arab-Norman route in Palermo and its surrounding areas. The Sicilian Baroque style of the Val di Noto towns is also a testament to the island’s history, with its unique concave facades, wrought-iron balustrades, and whimsical masks.
But history in Sicily would not be complete without a touch of legend. Mount Etna, for example, is said to erupt because of the rebel giant Typhon, who is imprisoned beneath its surface. In the main crater, it is believed that the blacksmith god Hephaestus has his forge. Along the coast of Aci Trezza, the faraglioni (sea stacks) are said to be the boulders thrown by the Cyclops Polyphemus at the hero Ulysses. And in Lake Pergusa, near Enna, it is said that the kidnapping of Proserpine by Pluto took place. Her mother, Ceres, was only able to see her for six months of the year, giving rise to the changing seasons.
No trip to authentic Sicily would be complete without experiencing traditional crafts and art forms. The Sicilian puppet theater, for example, has been passed down from master to pupil for centuries and continues to tell stories that captivate audiences today. Coral working, such as that in the Trapani area, is another ancient craft that has been refined over the years and is now exported all over the world. The renowned ceramics of Caltagirone are also a must-see, adorning stairways, churches, and palaces throughout the island. And the religious festival carts, with their vibrant colors, intricate carvings, and epic narratives, are a true expression of Sicilian identity.
Religious festivals are an important part of Sicilian culture, with the feast of St. Agatha in Catania (Feb. 3-5) and the celebrations for Santa Rosalia in Palermo (mid-July and Sept. 3-4) being two of the most beloved events. In Messina, the Vara procession takes place during the Ferragosto holiday in August, with thousands of barefoot faithful pulling a massive procession machine through the streets.
But it’s not just religious festivals that Sicily is known for. The island also has a vibrant calendar of events, such as the Ottobrata in Zafferana, which celebrates the flavors of Mount Etna, and the Cous Cous Fest in San Vito Lo Capo, a festival of cultural integration that celebrates diversity and dialogue in the Mediterranean. Other notable events include the Almond Blossom Festival in Agrigento, which features folk groups from around the world, and the Acireale and Sciacca Carnivals, known for their elaborate floats and lively atmosphere.
For more information on visiting Sicily, please contact Ms. Daniela Lo Cascio, Head of the Department of Tourism, Sport and Entertainment of the Region of Sicily, at +39 095 7470254 or daniela.locascio@regione.sicilia.it. You can also visit the official website at https://www.visitsicily.info/.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.