One of the most eagerly awaited events for Syracusans is the Festival of Saint Lucy, patron saint of the city. The main day is 13 December, but the celebrations begin as early as 30 November, when the musical band – through the alleys of Ortigia – announces the ‘predicina‘ to the people: in the Cathedral, the niche where the simulacrum is jealously guarded is opened, which will then be moved on the morning of 12 December to the “Cameretta”, the rich chapel dedicated to the Saint, to the emotional cry of the faithful: “Siracusana is! “. On the anniversary of the martyrdom of the young Christian girl, the silver statue is carried in procession on the shoulders of the Green Berets, from the Cathedral to the Church of Santa Lucia al Sepolcro. The long procession is characterised by the presence of characters in period costume and an 18th century-style carriage. A week later, on the 20th, the reverse route is taken, but with the addition of several stops; one of the most moving is the one at the Sanctuary of the Madonna of Tears, where Lucia and Maria meet again in a symbolic encounter that truly moves everyone. During the days dedicated to the festivities, it is customary to eat the ‘cuccia’ and ‘uccioli’, the typical votive rolls in the shape of eyes.
Dedicated to the memory of the Syracuse Tonino Accolla, a voice actor from Syracuse, famous for having given the voice, in our country, to actors of the calibre of Eddy Murphy and Tom Hanks, the Premio in his honour was devised by Stefania Altavilla in 2014 with the aim of enhancing the culture of the big screen and rewarding the career of a selected artist within the Italian film world. Thanks to the valuable collaboration and technical support of the international company Ambi Pictures, over the years the event has become the first live contest for student dubbers from various Italian schools, including Naples, Rome, Florence, Bologna and Turin.
For sea lovers who will be spending their holidays in this beautiful location, it is worth knowing that one of the oldest and most popular regattas is staged here: theInternational Syracuse-Malta Regatta. Born in 1952 from an idea of sailor John Illingworth, captain of the Royal British Navy, today this competition, organised by the Italian Naval League and the Royal Malta Yacht Club, sees the participation of around 100 yachts, divided into race, classic and cruising classes. The particularity of this sporting event lies in the fact that in even years the start is from Valletta, the capital of Malta, while in odd years the start is from the port of Syracuse. If you are near the Porto Grande, don’t miss the finish: the Fountain of Arethusa will be the backdrop to the exciting moment! 
In the picturesque setting of the ancient market of Ortigia takes place, every year, the Sicilian in Jazz & International Jazz Day, a fantastic musical event dedicated to the warm and engaging notes of Afro-American origins. During the three-day event, which usually takes place at the end of April, there will be concerts, album presentations, and moments where the stars will be the local music schools, such as the Liceo Gargallo Big Band. Ample space will also be given to Sicilian food and wine, which will accompany the exhibitions of contemporary artists with its intense aromas and flavours! And since you are in one of the ‘Hellenic’ cities par excellence, you cannot leave these places without attending a performance at theGreek Theatre. Thanks to thecycle of classical plays organised by the Fondazione Inda, which runs from May to July, you can experience the true theatre culture of comedy, from Euripides to Aristophanes!
