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.

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.

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.

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.