What to do in Palermo
Palermo is one of the liveliest and most active cities not only in Sicily but in the whole of southern Italy, always ready to amaze with its thousands of events and evocative traditions. If you want to discover the many faces of this splendid city, and get to know a little more of its warm and welcoming people, then you should mark the following events in your diary.
One of the most important festivals in the Sicilian capital is undoubtedly the Festa di Santa Rosalia, more commonly known as O Fistinu. From 10 to 15 July, the soul of Palermo, Rosalia, is celebrated. Beloved by the citizens, the patron saint is famous for having defeated a terrible plague epidemic with a miracle. Tradition has it that the ‘Santuzza’, back in 1624, appeared in a dream to a hunter, showing him the exact spot where her remains lay. As soon as they were carried in procession, Palermo was reborn, leaving the terrible disease behind. Since then, every year on 14 July, a float carrying the statue of the saint is followed by a long, tireless procession of devotees along the road from Palazzo dei Normanni to the Foro Italico. On 15 July, the celebrations end with beautiful and colourful fireworks. During this heartfelt religious event, families in Palermo delight in preparing – and eating – some traditional Sicilian dishes, such as boiled octopus, pasta with sardines and babbalucci, boiled snails with parsley and garlic.
Popular culture comes back to life in early November in theMorgana Festival, the international review of the Puppet Opera. For some forty years now, the Association for the Preservation of Popular Traditions has been organising, at the Antonio Pasqualino Puppet Museum, the interesting kermis that aims to promote this ancient Sicilian art. The puppet theatre, in which the protagonists are Charlemagne and his paladins, has been inscribed on the UNESCO list of Oral and Intangible Heritage since 2008. During the event, the museum halls will host exhibitions, conferences, book presentations and, above all, performances, not only by Italian artists but also by Russian, French, Spanish, Turkish and Israeli companies.
The city, however, is also known for being the European Street Food Capital, and the Street Food Fest is organised for the occasion, where beautiful Palermo takes on the role of a veritable gastronomic village in which to lose yourself in all its delights! The historic centre, intoxicated and conquered by intense aromas, sees the world’s best chefs take turns preparing the iconic street food dishes of their country of origin. The Festival is usually organised in December and lasts four days, during which you can attend competitions and cooking shows, participate in workshops for young and old, and be thrilled by concerts and performances by street artists. There will also be opportunities for in-depth discussions and tastings.
If you have planned your stay in Palermo during the Mardi Gras period, then you should know that there are two events that are truly irresistible. We are talking about the Carnevale di Termini Imerese and the Carnevale di Mastro di Campo in Mezzojuso.
The story of the former dates back to the early 1800s, when two Neapolitans introduced the masks of U Nannu ca Nanna to Termini, made strictly of papier-mâché. The two likeable characters, highly anticipated during this festival, are given the keys to the town by the first citizen at the very beginning of the event, which will end with the testatmento morale de U Nannu and the fireworks, representing the ‘aibbruciatina du nannu’. The whole carnival event is rounded off by parades of allegorical floats, ironic and always biting, concerts and entertainment for all ages. In addition, thanks to the efforts of the ‘Termini d’Amuri’ association, it will be possible to participate in the Sagra dei ‘Maccaruna ‘nta maidda’, a typical dish of pasta left to dry slowly on reeds and seasoned, once ready, with sausage ragout and left to rest in wooden containers. The Carnevale di Mastro di Campo, on the other hand, has been revived in the main streets of the village of Mezzojuso for over two centuries. On the last Sunday of carnival, one can watch the mimicry of the ‘red’ Mastro di Campo, who is in love with the beautiful Queen. A regal procession of about one hundred characters will take over the square, amidst songs and warlike dances.
From 27 to 30 July 2017, at the Complesso Monumentale dello Spasimo, one of Palermo’s most intense and fascinating moments will take place: theTangoFest. In the central nave of the Arab-Norman cloister, declared a Unesco World Heritage Site, masters and dancers will take turns, from morning to evening, to the sensual rhythm of the milonga. The atmosphere and Argentine notes will enliven this already magical place,.
where lessons, seminars and meetings of various kinds will be held. From walking to posture, to techniques for men and women, discover all the secrets of this wonderful and engaging dance! For information and bookings, go to www.tangofestpalermo.com.