In Syracuse, the architecture prevails in the city scenario even at Christmas. Thanks to its long history, in this city different architectural styles coexist and they mix perfectly with the lights and the decorations.

Santa Lucia

Christmas celebrations start on December 13th, the day of Santa Lucia, the saint patron of the city. Syracuse is in a festive mood, there are processions and markets, where music and food dominate the scene. On this occasion, people prepare the cuccia, a dessert made with ricotta, grains of wheat, chocolate and oranges.
After this day, everyone is focused on Christmas.

The ciaramiddari

The ciaramiddari are Sicilian bagpipe players and they belong to an ancient Christmas tradition. Their duty is to tell the novena, which starts on November 29th and ends on January 6th. It consists of a series of nine stories regarding Nativity, which are told by ciaramiddari with the zampogna (bagpipe), a woodwind instrument that dates back to the time of Nero. One of the most played songs is “Tu scendi dalle stelle”, written by Sant’Alfonso Maria de’Liguori. Usually, ciaramiddari play around the city and in people’s houses, in particular in front of the crib.

The lights and the Christmas markets

Ortigia, the oldest part of Syracuse, becomes a shining gem during Christmas time. Lights, mistletoe, and red decorations perfectly mix with the architecture of the city, which becomes an enchanted fairy village.
There are many Christmas markets around the city, where you can taste typical products and buy some gifts for the people you love.
You can verify the events here.

Food

At Christmas, food is an important part of the tradition. Fried stockfish can’t be missed on Syracusan tables, and it’s usually served with pipi sicchi, dried pepper. On December 25th, people usually eat cavateddi with tomato sauce, and mpanata, a focaccia filed with ricotta, potatoes, spinaches and tomatoes.

Our homes in Sicily.
Our experiences in Sicily.

November 12th, 2020
In relation to the health emergency, please verify the events are actually taking place.