An all-Sicilian Christmas
Sicily is the perfect destination for those who want to spend the Christmas vacations in a place with a mild climate. In fact, the Island, with its almost spring-like days, warms the hearts of tourists by providing a unique experience.
Christmas in Sicily between markets and traditions
Folklore, traditions e good food: Trinacria allows the tourist to make an experiential journey. Cities like Catania, Palermo e Ragusa are adorned with lights and decorations of all kinds. As early as early December, we can wander through the famous Christmas markets, full of handicrafts, and enjoy the renowned
Sicilian street food.
For those who want to get away from large urban centers, we recommend mountain villages such as Gangi, Geraci Siculo, Petralia Soprana (Italy’s most beautiful village of 2019) e Petralia Sottana. They will know how to drag every traveler into a unique sensory experience.
However, let’s find out what makes our tradition special by mentioning some of the attractions and events you absolutely must not miss!
A Sicilian Christmas art: nativity scenes
Arousing the fascination of visitors is above all theSicilian nativity art. Caltagirone, the undisputed home of the island’s nativity scene, each year leads young and old to an exciting itinerary to discover the best Christmas works in the small town.
That of the Caltagirone nativity scenes Is a true art. Sculptures are made from all kinds of materials such as salt, lava stone, pasta, and in Baroque or Neapolitan styles. In charge of the organization is the association “Friends of Favo“.
Here more information and reservations.
On the other hand, for those who want to experience the full atmosphere of the nativity, they can only attend the spectacle of the living nativity scenes. There are many Sicilian villages representing the birth of the baby Jesus, organizing great events for all ages.
A Custonaci Italy’s most famous living nativity scene is produced. For 38 editions the Cultural Association Living Museum of Custonaci benefits from the Cave of Mangiapane, in the Curati Village Trapani, to stage the wonderful show. In addition, since 2006 the event has been registered with the
Register of Intangible Heritage of Sicily..
The municipality of Gangi in the Palermo area is home to one of the most beautiful living nativity scenes on the island. Elected Italy’s Most Beautiful Village of 2014, from December 26 to 29 each year sees, in the narrow streets of the village, more than one hundred actors depicting the nativity scene.
Also not to be missed is the historic “Self-Propelled Nativity Scene” by Giacomo Randazzo in Cinisi.
Visiting hours and information in our events section.
Christmas markets in Sicily
Christmas markets are one of the most sought-after attractions between the last week of November and Epiphany Day. Everyone wants to breathe theChristmas atmosphere walking among the classic chalets.
Many cities in Sicily have urban areas dedicated to the Christmas shopping, with squares filled with stalls and wooden cottages in perfect Northern European style. In this regard, we point out the markets of Viagrande, Catania e Capo d’Orlando. The latter, built on Crispi Street, is ideal for those who want to spend the holidays near the sea.
In addition, Trinacria has no shortage of opportunities to party. At Erice is organized every year the traditional event EricèChristmas. The Trapani village, at 751 meters above sea level, is home to the Festival of Bagpipes, an annual event that attracts musicians and tourists from all over the world through Christmas markets, exhibitions and concerts.
In Palermo, on the other hand, from December 7 to 17 along Corso Vittorio Emanuele is organized the Palermo Street Food Fest Xmas Edition, as well as a Christmas village dedicated to street food.
Skiing week in Sicily
The Island, not presenting conditions similar to those in the Alps, nevertheless offers numerous opportunities even to the snow lovers. L’Etna, with its altitude, is the perfect destination for fans of ski mountaineering e snowboarding. In southern slope, via the Etna cable car, it is possible to climb in altitude and tackle the ski slopes highlighted by the Ente’s official website. On northern slope you have as many as four ski lifts
and various services including cross-country skiing, snowboarding and downhill skiing school. Absolutely not to be missed are the snowshoeing in the woods. A way to relax and enjoy the snowy landscape of Europe’s highest volcano.
Ski slopes on Etna
Also noteworthy are the mountain ranges of the Nebrodi and of the Madonie, with exciting nature hikes.
Madonie at Passo Lento likewise offers wonderful day and night snowshoeing, on the highest peaks of Sicily in the Madonie Park. Exactly the activity takes place in Battle Plan. In addition to being a jewel of the Sican park, this place allows skiing on the four slopes named Marmot, Squirrel, Sparrowhawk and Mollica.
In conclusion, we can say that Sicily has nothing to envy the much renowned winter destinations in the rest of Italy. Sea, snow and typical medieval villages in an all-Sicilian Christmas setting., what more could you ask for?
Luca Russo