One of my most favorite festivals to experience while I lived in Sicily was the Carnevale di…read moreAcireale or the Carnival of Acireale. This village is northeast of Catania about 30-40 min depending on traffic up A-18. When people think of Carnivale, their minds automatically go to Brazil or Spain. Not many would think that Sicily would host one of the greatest Carnivale festivals in the world. The first thing to be noted is the atmosphere. It doesn't matter if you show up to the festival in a bad mood because it will all fade away. Music is a constant throughout. On one of the years that we went, it seemed like Duck Sauce's "Barbara Streisand" was the theme for the night. It's such a catchy tune that it didn't really matter that it literally repeated over and over for the entire night. The vendors are selling all sorts of wears - masks, cowboy hats, huge glasses, wigs, t-shirts, noise makers, silly string, confetti, and even fake plastic boobs to wear over your shirt (which, of course, my friends bought). The masks can go from your traditional masquerade style masks to ones that those in America would find in stores on Halloween. One of the vendors seemed to like me enough that he just handed me a mask, a purple cowboy hat, and a bag of confetti. The parade is what everyone comes for and the floats are a sight to behold. They are brightly colored and lit up in a way that it feels like you could be Alice walking through Wonderland. Most of the floats for Carnivale are usually done in a way to make fun of the current political situation in the Italy. Although, there are some dedicated to movies or other entertainment. We spotted an Avatar theme float on the year that Avatar was released. In between the floats, there will be marching bands or different talent groups such as dancers or even an entire contingency of clowns. In between all the hubbub, it seems that everyone throws out their serious side and is there to have a good time. As I said above, people buy silly string and confetti to get into a sort of fight with other people. Everyone is always in good spirits, though. We had one gentleman who we kept bumping into and getting into a silly string fight with. He spoke little English, but at our last encounter gave each of us a big hug and kiss on the cheek.

The "day of the dead" or, in Italian, "il giorno dei morti" is celebrated on the 2nd of November…read more This is the day when people remember, with special celebrations, those who are no longer alive. People visit cemeteries, bring flowers and candles to the graves of dead relatives and friends, children find presents `brought' to them by the "morti," their dead relatives sending them presents. As in other parts of the world, for example Mexico for "El dia de los muertos" or Japan for "Obon festival", it is a day dedicated to death as part of life,' and to the family. The various traditions of the "giorno dei morti" express the Italians', especially the Sicilians' strong attachment to life and to their families, both those who are alive and those who are no longer with them. Hundreds of little Fiere dei Morti - Fairs of the Dead, decorate the streets of every Sicilian town and village: a tradition particularly evident in Palermo. Stalls sell typical sweets, the most popular being Frutta di Martorana, fruit made from almond paste (beautiful to see, overly sweet to eat), the "crozzi 'i mottu" (bones of the dead), the tarallis covered in icing sugar and many more tooth breaking sweets. As evening comes, families will reach the tombs of their dead ones to leave these sweets, flowers, candles and prayers, a tradition that serves to strengthen family bonds, linking children to family members who have come and gone before them.

Amazing pizza like I've never seen before. A 4 ft long pie divided into different sections from…read morecheese to onions to anchovies to sausage. Cooked to perfection, a crust you had to finish. The atmosphere is festive, DJ Saturday nights with everyone dancing and excellent espresso on the way out.

Beautiful small village in the mountains of Siciliy. I was here to celebrate the festival for San…read moreCalogero, and the people here are so welcoming. There is so much nature surrounding the town, and a lot of hiking and other nature activities. It's a good place to come if you want peace and rest as it is very secluded.

This should be your first stop when you first arrive to Sigonella Naval Station…read more Valid Military ID's required to enter for EVERYONE coming on the base. You want to make the most of your Sicilain experience by seeing all the sites so come here to get hooked up. All kinds of tours and activities found here. A few to mention, Antique train ride around Etna, Wine tastings with lunch Cooking Classes Tandem Sky Diving (imagine the views), Snowshoe overnight trip, Hiking near Mt. Etna, Snowbaording, Taormina, WWII Musuem and Lunch in Catania, Orange Harvesting and Lunch, Seafood in Siracusa, Valley of the Temples, Palermo tour of Cathedral and Catacombs, Pizza on Mt. Etna, Lunch at Geraci Suculo & Gangi (midieval villages with piazzos, frescoes, the Mother Church and archeological museum, Bellini Opera and the upcoming St. Agatha Festival. I've been in here a few times to inquire about some tours, one of them was cancelled so you need to check back (but they will call to notify you). You can also rent bikes, kayaks, skis, camping gear and equipment, ski pants, etc for a bargain! Located next to the gym in Midtown. I've signed us up for a tour so really excited and looking forward to having some more fun in Sicily! Prices vary starting at $15 pp and up. All very reasonable!