Sicilian traditions are endlessly fascinating: brightly-painted carts, colourful puppets, the ancient fishing custom of “mattanza”, and much, much more.
Sicilian Carts
Wherever you go on the island you will spot these ornate, brightly-coloured, horse- or donkey-drawn carts, which were introduced by the ancient Greeks. They are used for everyday hauling of light loads but also for special occasions such as weddings and parades.
The two-wheeled carts are generally adorned with carvings, intricate geometrical designs and brightly painted scenes depicting Sicilian history and folklore. At one time, these images also served to convey information to those unable to read or write.
Miniature carts are often sold as souvenirs, while you can often see the real thing in traditional parades along the towns’ main streets.
Puppet Theatre
A popular tradition in the island’s artistic scene is the puppet theatre, with shows often depicting battles between the Saracens and the Christians in the Middle Ages. These historical episodes present values that continue to be important to Sicilians, such as chivalry, honour, justice, faith and love. A number of shops in Taormina sell beautiful, hand-crafted puppets, enabling visitors to take home an authentic slice of Sicilian culture.
The Ancient “Mattanza”
This annual Sicilian ritual takes place in May and June, when fishermen go out to catch migrating giant Bluefin tuna off the coast. Introduced to Sicily by the Arabs, the practice involves lowering a vast series of nets into the water, through which the tuna swim until they can go no further. It is an environmentally sustainable way of fishing and keeps the islanders well fed for weeks.
Contact us for further inspiration or to organise an excursion.
