Feast of the Dead “Holy Arms” in Palermo
The Festival of the Dead ”Holy Arms” is back, Oct. 27 to Nov. 2, in Palermo. Almost a week of culture and tradition from 10 a.m. until midnight on Magliocco Street.
This holiday has always been very important in Sicily, once more so than today’s days. In fact, according to tradition, children on the night between November 1 and 2 receive gifts and sweets from those who are no longer with us. Although it is not felt today as it once was, replaced by the more mainstream Halloween, it still represents one of the most cherished rituals of many Sicilians. Adults and children.
To honor this ancient tradition, the Artigianando association once again organized the ”Armi Santi” fair, which returns to enliven downtown Palermo with its fourth edition.
“After nearly 30 years,” said Luca Tumminia, president of the Artigianando Association, “the traditional festival of the dead is returning to the streets of the city and to the people. We are returning in a purely artisanal capacity,” he adds, “especially after a period like the one we have experienced and are still experiencing today. Our intent, in fact, is to bring cheerfulness but also simple lightheartedness. There is a need for it.”
Details of the fair dedicated to the Feast of the Dead
On this occasion, Magliocco Street is filled with stations set up in various ways. First and foremost, you can find sweets of all kinds: candies, martorana fruit, Sugar Puppets, ”dead man’s bones,” mustazzoli, but also lots of dried fruit. All delicacies characteristic of Sicilian gastronomic culture.
But not only that. As you walk along the various stalls, you will find many handicrafts. From papier-mâché creations, to olive wood creations, to special sculptures made of lava stone or women’s accessories, vintage clothing and nursery products. Finally, books and publishing products also find their place.
Source: balarm.co.uk