Kronos e Mithia

Kronos e Mithia

Nearby lay the colossal bones of Kronos and Mithia, warrior giants who stood as vigilant guardians of the Madonna of Light.

Mistretta, a Sicilian town with a glorious past, once stood as an imperial city during Federico II kingdom. Nestled amidst the lush greenery of the surrounding forests within the Nebrodi Mountains, it earned its name “Sella dei Nebrodi.” It was in this enchanting place that a sacred image of the Madonna was discovered, accompanied by human bones of remarkable size. Legend has it that these bones belonged to the giants Kronos and Mithia, the mythical first inhabitants of Sicily and guardians of the sacred image.

The richness of Mistretta’s history is evident in the architectural splendor of its noble palaces, none more impressive than the Tasca family’s noble residence, now transformed into a museum that houses the original giants. Mistretta, with its deep historical roots and breathtaking natural beauty, remains a treasure trove of Sicilian heritage and legend. On the 8th of September, the colossal warrior giants of Mistretta awaken, marching proudly through the town’s streets, brought to life by the devoted carriers who gracefully dance with their towering burdens. This tradition, passed down from one generation to the next, imparts a unique touch to each character.

These mighty figures play a role that transcends time, keeping alive a profound tradition and a powerful spectacle. As the people of Mistretta offer their pledges of money and precious items to the Madonna, they celebrate light, life, and prosperity. The guardian giants of the Madonna of Light’s simulacrum accompany her throughout the procession, their presence enchanting and illuminating the winding alleys of Mistretta with a captivating force. This annual display of devotion and artistry weaves together the past and present, uniting the town in a magnificent celebration of tradition and faith.


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VIVA DIU E SAN CALÒ

VIVA DIU E SAN CALÒ

In Naro , among solitary places , lived the black hermit monk from Turkey, venerated as a thaumaturge saint: San Calogero.

Among myths and legends is written the history of Naro, a small hidden gem of Sicilian baroque, set atop» hill, it overlooks the eastern valley of Agrigento until it glimpses the sea. Here, after wandering Sicily, hiding in ancient necropolis and in the many volcanic caves scattered around the Island, lived the hermit monk, revered as a thaumaturge saint: San Calogero.

The thaumaturge saints’life is quite fascinating, he lived in solitary places and caves, became places of worship, visited by many faithful, who come from all parts of Sicily to ask the Saint for a grace. The saint’s celebration is held in mid-June, from the early hours of the day, the crypt in the church erected by incorporating the cave where, according to legend, San Calogero lived, becomes a destination for thousands of pilgrims, sometimes even from neighboring towns, it is filled with faithfuls’ offerings, asking of the graces, of which the Saint was prodigal, during the time he lived in the city of Naro.Food accompanies the rituality of this celebration , a poor food that could be known and cooked by all the people: “pasta scallata” , only pasta, water, salt (and cacio cheese) “The maccarruna of San Calo” have to be eaten togheter, and in the past, Religiously by hands.

Several, as a sign of thanksgiving for grace received, or for those to ask, bring special ex-votos: large loaves of bread made to reproduce the figure of a child or some part of the body such as an arm, a hand or a lee, depending on the vow made. The loaves, once blessed, are divided in half: one part is taken away by the devotee, who then provides for distribution to the family and friends; the other is broken up and distributed to all those present, who jostle for each portion because eating a piece of the blessed bread means securing divine protection for the whole year to come. On June 18, the actual day of the procession, San Calogero, emerges triumphantly from the church that bears his name, greeted by the songs and celebrations of his people.

He is placed on a large wooden sleigh called a straula or “wagon of miracles” a peculiar wagon without wheels similar to those used in the past, in the fields to carry the harvest. He’s dragged by the faithful with a rope, tied at two ends of the sleish and more than 100 meters long, from the Sanctuary of St. Calogero the statue walks throush the Gothic and Baroque beauty of the town, until he reaches the magnificent Mother Church, built with the same tuff as the majestic Temples of Aerizento. The whole people of Naro carry the statue, men, women, children and the elderly, many of them to fulfill a vow made to the saint, make the processional walk barefoot. They say is not people who carry the saint but actually is San Calogero carring all the faithfull. All the devoted try to touch and kiss the simulacrum, take sacred images, and hand the men on the straula handkerchiefs, which then, once rubbed on the statue, they ta keep carefully , cause after this rite they gain apotropaic power.


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VENERDI SANTO

Venerdi Santo

During the holy week 2500 hooded confreres march through the alleys of Enna, singing the traditional dirge “Morì Spiró”

This is Enna, the highest province of Italy, situated in the center of the Erei mountains, with commanding views of both the Dittaino valley to the east and the Salso valley to the west. If you happen to visit during holy week, you will be immersed in a mystical atmosphere, as Enna hosts a series of religious processions steeped in centuries-old Spanish traditions.

The highlight of Holy Week celebrations is Good Friday, during which approximately 2,500 hooded confreres carrying ferns of dead Jesus and Our Lady of Sorrows take part in the procession. On the morning of Good Friday, the hooded dressing ritual takes place, passed down from father to son. The friars wear the characteristic costumes of the 16 brotherhoods that still exist in Enna today. The costumes worn during the celebration are specific to each confraternity, displaying different coats of arms, colors, and capes, while still reproducing those of past centuries. Common elements include a long white coat, narrow at the sides, a cloak, white gloves, and the characteristic hood with a visor, from which the name of the hooded derives. A crown of woven wicker is also worn on the head, symbolizing the crown of thorns worn by Christ.

The solemn procession commences from the Cathedral, with the brotherhoods parading in a pre-established order, led by an authoritative representative of the clergy holding up an artistic cross surmounted by a rich red velvet curtain. The cross contains a precious relic, one of the thorns that formed part of the crown placed on Jesus’ head. Each confraternity plays a specific and unchanging role within the procession. The oldest brotherhood in Enna, established in 1261, that of the Most Holy Savior, is privileged to lead the fercolo with the Dead Christ. The confraternity of the Holy Passion, founded in 1660, leads the tables of mysteries, the 25 symbols of Christ’s passion, during the Good Friday procession.In Enna, everything is quiet during the procession, as thousands of torches placed in imposing luminous strings light up the streets at sunset. The only sounds are the waddling footsteps of the confreres and the traditional dirge known as “morì spirò”.


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I DIAVOLI DI PRIZZI

I Diavoli di Prizzi

The devils' dance is a religious event that has its roots in the Middle Ages and stages the eternal struggle between good and evil.

We are in a magical place steeped in history: on the ruins of the ancient city of “Hippana”, a Hellenic settlement that stood on top of the “Montagna dei Cavalli” (“Mountain of Horses “), located in the heart of the green Sicani Mountains and falling within the territory of Prizzi, in the province of Palermo. It all begins with the first light of dawn, devils and death are the main actors during Resurrection Sunday celebrations, they get dressed and the major gives them the key of the city.

The chaos and struggle begins: in the main square of the city, the devils try to prevent the saving meeting between the statues of Chirist and the Mother; the angels escorting the Christian statues fight this contrast, performed according to precise rhythmic movements, it is the devils’ dance.

Devils wear red overalls, a large leather mask on their faces with a large tongue hanging out, a goat skin on their shoulders, a chain in their hands. Death has a hellish grin and a yellow overalls, handles a crossbow, she chooses victims from the public to capture them and lead them to hell. If you attend the event, you may be among the victims captured by the devils!

Once caught, the victims will be escorted by the Devils to a house, where they have only once chance to redeem their souls: they will have to offer a small treat. The dance culminates with the slaying of the devils by the angels, now Christ has risen, met the Mother, light wins against the darkness, God against Evil.


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Life is a journey and those who travel live twice. Omar Khayyam.

ARCHI DI PASQUA

ARCHI DI PASQUA

There is a moment in San Biagio Platani, the most important time of the year for this small town, when the whole community is gathered and works together, night and day, to create the famous Archi di Pasqua.

Carmelo, immersed in the green of his garden, with a privileged view on the Sicani mountains, is intent on drawing, and designing this architectural masterpiece, he gives instructions for the realization of the structures, domes, bell towers, and real cathedrals made of natural materials, so every detail of the huge structures is meticulously thought out, designed, and structured. The religious significance of the Easter Arches is evident, wanting to represent the triumph of Christ over death.

But the arches have their roots in the misery in which the population fell in the 18th century, whose layout served precisely to make people forget poverty, in a climate of mutual aid, on the occasion of Easter San Biagios’ families set up banquets with the “cuddure” ancient bread sharing with everyone who needs. Over time the conditions of scarcity in the country have been overcome, and the ancient bread become colorfull decorative elements made of salt dough, depicting symbols and religious figures or natural elements, made to act together with the vegetable structures, reeds, citrus fruits, bay leaves, dates, flowers and rosemary. as a spectacular background to the traditional Easter rite. Each group of citizens plays a specific role, some build the reed scaffolding, they are called “carru bistiami” because they do one of the hardest jobs. There are child and adults who create amazing mosaics using seeds, legumes and tiny vegetable elements, and there are the nimpe, giant chandeliers, meticulously decorated with plant elements or small ceramic artifacts..

To fuel the motivation, there is a clear challenge between two brotherhoods: Signurara and Madunnara, each member of the brotherhood is particularly keen to mark the difference of their artistic manufactures from other brotherhoods. This translates into a great variety of artistic elements that are all different from each other.

The rivalry between the two Confraternities leads the builders of the Easter arches to work, in great secrecy, one in secret from the other. Only on Saturday evening, when the arches are assembled to create the scenography along the main street, are they finally revealed, not only to the entire population of San Biagio, but one Confraternity reveals the fruit of its creative flair to the other. Walking down the main street on the Easter Eve, all the efforts vanish and give the way to great wonder and satisfaction, togetherness and pride. After Easter, the majestic scenic setting remains to adorn the main street until May, thus allowing numerous visitors to admire it for a long time.


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SAN GIUSEPPE’S RITUAL

San Giuseppe’s ritual

It’s March 19 , in the small town of Palazzo Adriano religion and food bring people together.

The elders of the village meet at Circolo Unione as usual, anything but usual is what will happen in a few hours through the streets of Palazzo Adriano. The only sounds that are heard in the air are the gentle gushes of the fountain and the bells of the Roman Catholic and orthodox Byzantine churches calling the faithful to participate in both rituals. Slowly the square begins to fill up with people of all ages; There are those who come from the countryside with precious loot, bunches of asparagus or daffodils, people who bring baskets of sweets, some children laugh and run, the industrious Basilian nuns silently emerge from their rooms and cross the square to take part in the morning liturgy which precedes the main celebration.

It’s the celebration of San Giuseppe , and the entire community of this small town in the Sicilian hinterland, particularly devoted to the saint, is at work to celebrate him. The celebration, organised and sustained for many years by the San Giuseppe association foresees that sumptuous tables full of all kinds of food are set up. What cannot be missing is the blessed bread, which on this day takes precise forms: symbols of San Giuseppe‘s work tools , but also, first spring fruits, oranges and fennel, and the typical sweets of the festival: sfince, pignolata. In the town’s square the circle of San Giuseppe and the Basiliane nuns set up these tables for the community, keeping the tradition alive. Many people also set up smaller tables at home, with the intention of asking for graces to the saint, like Signora Ninuccia, who has been striving for 30 years to create her own small table, like an altar in the main room of her little house. Tradition wants that this banquet is offered to the less well-off, who take part in the table; a group of men and women joins the Circle of San Giuseppe and gathers in the internal courtyard of the congregation of daughters of Saint Macrina, and prepares huge pots of traditional pasta; At 12 o’clock the bells of the Santa Maria del Lume and Maria Santissima Assunta churches ring; the liturgy is over and all the people take part in the tables. The entire community is brought together, collaborating , eating and sharing food. A religious rite that strengthens the social and generational bond.


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Life is a journey and those who travel live twice. Omar Khayyam.

THE MAGIC OF THE CRIB

THE MAGIC OF THE CRIB

This craft workshop is a school where every piece is prepared with care.

As a child Angela watched the nativity scene that her father patiently prepared and was fascinated by that miniature world made of streets and characters in which she imagined getting lost. When she grew up, it was the sight of the nativity scene displayed in a glass case that rekindled her passion for this world and for sculpture. With many sacrifices and enthusiasm he began to give life to his workshop and his terracotta and fabric statues.

Over the years his passion has been transformed into a workshop where master craftsmen create unique pieces every day that are exhibited all over the world. This is a tradition that lives on through the teaching of a woman who has made her workshop a unique school in the city of Palermo.


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Life is a journey and those who travel live twice. Omar Khayyam.

Family Lunch

family lunch

In the streets of Burgio there is a slow flow of simple things and traditions that are handed down.

While an old lady looks out from her balcony and a group of children improvise a soccer match, the scent of fried eggplants and fresh tomato sauce invades the streets of Burgio. A group of men play cards in the village circle and the church bell punctuates the day. To enter the slow pace of the daily life of this Sicilian country means getting to know its deepest soul.

The itinerary first leads to the Mother Church and then on to discover the ancient tradition of ceramics and bells.The Caravella workshop reminds us that know-how is transmitted as experience from father to son, a workshop that still retains an ancient charm, and where the ancient art of Burgio ceramics continues to thrive. Leisureliness and tradition also are what accompanies a visit to the bell foundry, one of the oldest in Italy. Here the bells are made as in the past, starting from the “soul”, the inner part made with bricks and clay. To get to know the true identity of a place you need to sit at the table and discover the pleasure of a family lunch, the good dishes alternating with conversation that mix together memories and daily life.


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Life is a journey and those who travel live twice. Omar Khayyam.

TASTING ALLEYS

TASTING ALLEYS

We choose the raw materials together in the streets of Catania’s market based on seasonal produce and then prepare traditional recipes in an exclusive space.

Certain places reveal the essence of a city; they are like matryoshka dolls that preserve centuries of history, influences and changes. Exploring the market in Catania means knowing the history and culture of food in Sicily, the five senses will guide you and it will be fascinating to lose yourself in the sounds, smells, colors, materials and flavors.

Catania’s market has always gathered the best of Sicilian production: fish, cheeses, dried fruit, meat. During the trip, you’ll hear the abbanniate*, you’ll experience various aromas and you’ll be able to taste the best of Sicilian produce: the calia, mustards, fine cheeses, salami and its streetfood. The story of a tradition and a story that is both cultural and mythological.

“ The kitchen becomes a place for the family; an opportunity to rediscover the importance of doing things together. ” Cooking together is a way to get to know and experience the recipes that have made Sicily an excellence in the gastronomic sector. At the premises of the exclusive Asmundo of Gisara Art hotel, dishes are prepared with raw materials from the market. Cooking and tasting takes place in a friendly environment: fresh pasta, the best of streetfood, meat rolls or caci puddata tuna.


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Life is a journey and those who travel live twice. Omar Khayyam.

fisherman

fisherman

CASTING THE NETS
There are professions that become forms of life, bonds that are built and become indissoluble.

The relationship with the sea lasts a lifetime, it is not consumed. Using their hands and body they cast the nets while the sun does not stop tanning their skin, then they wait. This profession comes with waiting, the sound and the scent of the sea as well as skills and intangible knowledge that can only be learned by listening.

It requires experience, seen in the proud eyes that alone tell the love for the sea, for fishing. Finally it requires passion, obtained by getting on this boat, observing the gestures that are repeated every day while the fisherman waits for the sea to bear its fruit.

 


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Life is a journey and those who travel live twice. Omar Khayyam.

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