With the Christmas just around the corner, many families are preparing themselves on how and where to spend their Christmas festivities.
Here in Sicily we are ready to give you the atmosphere that will make your Christmas intriguing.
Being the largest island in Mediterranean coupled with its strategic location, the holiday spend in Sicily is indeed one in a lifetime event. Here in Sicily Christmas starts from 24 December (Christmas Eve) throughout to 6th January (Epiphany). The most fascinating thing about spending your Christmas in Sicily is the nativity scene.
The "Presepe Vivente" is one of the most fascinating nativity scenes in this region.
The religious ceremonies of the Sicilians people especially on Christmas times bring a relaxing and monotony breaking atmosphere in the region. The folkloristic celebrations, shows, fireworks, decorations and mesmerizing brands of music makes a tourist feel at home. The friendly nature of the Sicily people is incomparable, they are ready to let you learn their culture, social life and other things you might be interested. The Christmas celebrations usually start unofficially on late November.
Tradition
Sicilians are famed with their tradition which has been there since ancient times. The decoration of the Christmas tree and their homes marks the peak of the Christmas celebrations here. "Ceppo and Presepi" are the traditional decorations in this region. Ceppo (tree of light), a wooden frame is covered with sweets, fruits, pendants, candles and gifts while Presepi is a famous custom in Sicily. Being a nativity scene, Presepe is placed as a focal point in most churches, homes and other gathering places. Presepe Vivente is one of famous and best in Sicily Island.
The Sicilians devote their Christmas day and Christmas Eve to family and food. In Sicily, meat is not allowed to be taken due to their staunch religious beliefs. However, fish is there in plenty especially at Christmas times. Another intriguing aspect of the Sicilian tradition is that children write letters to their parents to show how much they love them instead of asking presents from Santa by writing the letters. The letters are usually placed beneath their father’s plates and read once the Christmas Eve dinner is over. After Christmas Eve dinner, the presents are opened. Each member of the family pulls out from a large bowl a wrapped gift. All the presents are supposed to be distributed until the ornamental bowl is empty. After all the above aforementioned traditions are done, the Sicilians head to church to mark the day and time when Christ was born. This is characterized with praise songs and marks the peak of the celebrations.
Christmas markets of Sicily
Taormina is one of the famous Christmas markets in Sicily. The magical and thrilling atmosphere in the area has enchanted tourists who come here during Christmas year after year. The market is located at the hill of Monte Tauro. In this market you will not only be doing shopping but also you will be exposed to the most breathtaking, memorable and dramatic view of the Mediterranean Sea. The market has a wide variety of activities apart from the usual shopping. You will enjoy water sports like sailing, wind-surfing, fishing and among others. The market gives you a variety of things to shop plus the conducive environment. This is just one among the most fascinating and intriguing markets of Sicily.
Why spend your Christmas in Sicily
The rich social and cultural diversity of the city is incomparable. The natural wonders found in Sicily are compellingly attractive coupled by the mild climate in the area. Spending your Christmas in Sicily will add an extra spice to your holiday and believe me you will never forget about it. The traditions and the foods are not only delicious but have a traditional touch which distinguishes it from the rest of the world. In fact a holiday spend in Sicily is sometimes said it’s a holiday spend on a different planet.