A look at some popular Sicilian festivals
Sicilian festivals are important to the people of Sicily. While many revolve around religious holidays, carnivals are considered secular events. They are traditionally celebrated in the week before the start of Lent. Originally, the holidays were meant to deplete fresh food, since Lent is a time of prayer and fasting.
Some of the most famous carnivals are held in the municipalities of Sciacca, Acireale and Termini Imerese. Those who participate in these Sicilian festivals usually wear masks. While the masks used in Italian carnivals are usually like those of Pulcinella or Brighella, the traditional Sicilian masks are more characteristic of Jardinara or Varca, especially in the province of Palermo.
The people of Sicily are said to be both religious and superstitious. The carnivals are full of symbolic gestures, such as the burning of the puppets, which symbolizes the burning of the bad part of the soul. The floats in the parades are sometimes representative of political groups from Sicily’s past. But, even for a person who is not familiar with the symbolism, these parades are a joy to watch. In some areas, the parades last two or three days. For example, the Sciacca carnival starts on Saturday and ends on Tuesday.
The people of Sicily are very close families. Children are very important to parents and usually accompany them to all social events. Children love parades and the floats are designed to entertain and delight young and old alike. Many Sicilian festivals date back to ancient times. The origins of carnival date back to 1600.
In addition to the carnivals, there are celebrations of the main religious festivals and some that celebrate religion itself. For example, the Byzantine Epiphany Celebrations are held annually in January. This is a religious event, but many non-religious people enjoy the ceremony. Each town has a patron saint and every year a festival is held in his honor. In Acireale, the celebration takes place in January in honor of Saint Sebastian. In Catania, the Feast of Santa Águeda is celebrated in February.
Tourists, as well as the people of Sicily, enjoy the Almond Blossom Festival, which also takes place in February. It is a traditional folk festival that takes place in the Valley of the Temples, which has parades, shows, crafts and other exhibitions. Saint Joseph’s Day is in March and celebrations are held throughout Sicily on this day. In his honor pastries, breads and special dinners are prepared.
An international film festival is held in Taormina every year, usually in early July. Every June an Arabian-style horse race is held in Noto. Every month of the year, there are Sicilian festivals to enjoy. For tourists, there really is no end of things to do and see in Sicily.