Carnival in Sicily: traditions, masks, and flavors between satire and folklore

Carnival in Sicily: rituals, masks, and flavors

Carnival in Sicily has its roots in distant times, among pagan rituals and Christian traditions. It is the festival of abundance before Lent, in which life is celebrated with meat sauces, peasant minestrone soups, and typical desserts: teste di turco from Scicli, pignolata messinese, chiacchiere fritte, and sfinci di ricotta.

Characters such as Peppi ‘Nappa, paladins, jokers, and carnival masks parade through the squares. Allegorical floats, historical pantomimes, dances, and theatrical performances that poke fun at society are born.

Historic Carnivals: from Acireale to Avola

The Carnival of Acireale (CT) is one of the oldest and most spectacular on the island, with papier-mâché floats, satire, and characters such as the abbatazzu.

In Avola (SR), the Carnival lasts four days with flower-covered floats, parades of Sicilian carts, and songs in dialect. In Palazzolo Acreide, people dance in the square and feast on cavati and sausage. In Chiaramonte Gulfi, the Sagra della Salsiccia (Sausage Festival) accompanies the celebrations, while in Termini Imerese, people celebrate with the symbolic puppets of Nannu and Nanna, amid public satire and final bonfires.

Satire, folklore, and creativity in Sciacca, Novara, and Gioiosa

In Sciacca (AG), one of the most famous carnivals, the art of papier-mâché gives life to giant floats and performances in dialect, ending with the symbolic burning of Peppi ‘Nappa. In Corleone, the tradition of Nanno is renewed, carried on the shoulders of the riavulicchio, while in Gioiosa Marea (ME), the Carnevale del Murgo, inspired by Argentine culture, comes to life. In Novara di Sicilia, in addition to the celebrations, the maiorchino tournament takes place, with pecorino cheese wheels rolled through the streets and an inevitable final festival.