One of the most beautiful events characterising Sicilian life and culture is undoubtedly the Infiorata di Noto. Organised every year on the last Sunday of May, the event – now in its 27th edition – was born out of the friendship between the Noto and Genzano florists, and still attracts numerous tourists and enthusiasts who flock along via Corrado Nicolaci to witness this colourful spectacle. The street, some 122 metres long and 7 metres wide, is transformed into a wonderful carpet of flowers covering an area of 700 square metres. A total of sixteen sketches are handmade and embellished with all sorts of petals, in keeping with the chosen theme. The cloisters and courtyards of this Baroque town are also decorated with iridescent and bright flowers, and refer to themes from popular culture as well as religious and mythological paintings. The event also features exhibitions, tastings and performances of various kinds. A true hymn to spring!
At the beginning of December begins a sweet journey that will take you on a discovery of Modica Chocolate. Participating in the Chocomodica will introduce you to all the secrets of this ancient recipe that has its roots in Aztec times. The best confectioners and chocolatiers in the country will be intent on processing the cacao according to tradition: cold and without the conching process. Thanks to this special treatment, you will enjoy a genuine, grainy product with an intense flavour. A natural pleasure that will take you into a festive atmosphere, amidst historical and gastronomic routes that will tingle your senses! There are so many events scheduled during this festival. We find handicraft workshops that are always open, appointments dedicated to children with the Chocobimbi and the ChocoGame, markets, exhibitions dedicated to painting, sculpture and cinema, Sicilian puppet shows, concerts, processions of folk groups and important conferences. Let yourself be enraptured by the Food of the Gods!
Sicily is known for its strong and unbreakable ties to the Catholic faith. And it is precisely in some of the towns in the Val di Noto that the most exciting celebrations take place, both for the faithful and for visitors. In February and August, thanks to two different moments (19 February and the last Sunday of the summer month), it is possible to attend the celebrations of San Corrado, protector and patron of Noto. A knight from Piacenza, ‘saved from the fire by the hand of God‘, Corrado Confalonieri decided to spend a hermit’s life in Sicily, specifically in a cave in Noto where the sanctuary built in his honour can still be seen. The silver urn with the Saint’s relics is kept in this mystical place. One of the most moving moments is undoubtedly the exposition of the urn, which is then carried in procession through the pews of the cathedral; escorted by devotees and cilii bearers, it will then make its way around the town: from the streets of the high cry of Noto to the churches of the Sacro Cuore and Crocefisso. Another much-awaited religious event is the Festa di San Giorgio in Ragusa Ibla. The figure of this martyr is linked to Diocletian’s persecutions. Renouncing paganism, George – who was a soldier and one of the emperor’s guards – is said to be famous for having torn up the Edict of Nicomedia, a decree against Christians. Arrested, he was then subjected to cruel punishments and terrible punishments. Celebrated on the last Sunday in May and the first Sunday in June, Saint George, depicted on horseback and dressed as a soldier, is carried on the shoulders of the faithful along the alleys of Ibla. The cathedral named after him is decorated for the occasion with banners, flowers and illuminations, as is the entire city. Each year the religious event features famous artists and flag wavers, and offers spectacular pyromusical fires. If you find yourself at Easter in this area then you should not miss the Madonna Vasa Vasa, in Modica. The beauty of this feast lies in the ‘midday kiss’: in the middle of the old town, the Madonna kisses the newly resurrected Christ, but first the two simulacra seek each other out, carried on the shoulders of the faithful. As soon as noon is struck, the Madonna, at the sight of her son, spreads and closes her arms in sign of happiness, and as she removes her black mantle to show her heavenly one, white doves are released. On the Tuesday after Easter, also in Modica, the Madonna dell’Itria, from the far East, is celebrated. This solemn day is characterised by the ‘Sotto90’, a game that consists of drawing 3 numbers from a tombola and managing to score below 90 in order to win a prize! In short, in Val di Noto there will be no lack of fun, good food, tradition and a lot of fun!
The cover photo of Noto’s infiorata is by Stefano Mortellaro