Sicily, the biggest island in the Mediterranean Sea, is a land full of folklore and traditions. It's always been influenced by the different cultures of the area, and it is a place full of unique symbols, beliefs, and food.

It has a long history, which saw the sequence of Greek, Roman, Arabic, Norman, Spanish domination. For this reason, Sicilian culture has a priceless heritage, like the opera dei pupi and teste di moro.

In this article, you will discover the most famous Sicilian traditions, which are what make the island of Sicily a varied, picturesque place.

Teste di Moro

One of the most famous Sicilian symbols is Teste di Moro, whose roots are deep in the culture and the history of the island. This decorative element is one example of the excellence of Sicilian ceramic. The most famous one is the one produced in Caltagirone, a small town in the province of Catania.

The history behind Teste di Moro is very interesting. It starts with a tormented love between a beautiful Sicilian girl and a young Moor boy. So, the Moor boy declared his love to the girl and she was feeling the same. She loved taking care of her aromatic plants on the balcony, which was observed by everyone.

When she realized that he had a wife back in Arabia, she was so angry that she killed him and cut his head off. The girl then used the head as a vase for her basil, and the neighbors were fascinated by it, so they asked the artisans to make some of those heads in ceramic.

This tradition was preserved during the years, and nowadays teste di moro represent one of the symbols of Sicily.

Opera dei pupi

One of the most famous Sicilian traditions is Opera dei Pupi. Those kinds of shows are basically puppets theaters that are inspired by the Song of Roland, the Orlando Furioso, and Romance literature. They are usually in Italian or Sicilian language.

The Sicilian puppet theatre is so important in the customs and traditions of Sicily that UNESCO recognized it as a Human Intangible Heritage.

Sicilian cart

Sicilian cart is one of the main elements of Sicilian culture. Leaving aside the aspect linked to tradition, it also tells a lot about the economic structure of old Sicily. In fact, it was used to carry heavy products throughout the city.

The aesthetics of the Sicilian cart can be different according to the area, even though there are some elements in common. The colors are always vivid, and it is often hand made. It's a tradition that has been passed on for centuries, as there are masters that instruct young generations.

Religious celebrations

Religion is an important part of Sicilian culture, which has a special connection with the cult of patron saints. In fact, there are always stories that link the saint to the city, as well as traditions to follow during religious festivals.

For example, in Catania there is a big celebration on the occasion of Sant'Agata. It is one of the biggest religious celebrations in the world. It is celebrated twice a year, in February and August. On this occasion, the city is decorated and there are many lights.

Another important celebration is the one of Santa Rosalia in Palermo. The procession goes from the cathedral to the streets of the historical center.

In Siracusa, Santa Lucia is the patron saint and she is celebrated with a procession, religious events, and many fireworks.

Sicilian food

Obviously, food plays a big role in Sicilian traditions, as in every part of Italy. Every celebration has its typical dish, which can be eaten during lunch, dinner, or as a dessert. For example, cassata used to be an Easter dessert, but after its success, it can be found during the whole year.

Cannolo is another traditional dessert of Sicilian cuisine so that it is also considered a symbol of Italian culture. Lastly, there is Sicilian street food, such as arancini and panelle, which are considered among the best ones of this cuisine.

Our homes in Sicily

October 4th, 2021