Page 65 - The Rough Guide of Sicily

streets at Ragusa Ibla (Last Sun), and another procession on the 23rd at Piana degli

Albanesi.

MAY

Madonna delle Milizie Scicli (last Sat). Re-enactment of a battle between the
Normans and Saracens, won by the Normans after they invoked the help of the
Madonna.

Sagra del Lago Lago di Pergusa. Held throughout May, with folk events, fireworks,

singing competitions and games.

International Museum Day (mid-May). Sicily’s museums put on events and stay
open all night to celebrate the international initiative.

Greek Drama festival Siracusa (mid-May to mid-June). Classic plays performed by
international companies in the spectacular ruins of the ancient Greek theatre.

Cantine Aperte (last Sun). Wine estates all over Italy open their cellars to the

public.

Festa di Sant’Alfio Trecastagni (May 9–10). Traditional high jinks including a
barefoot and shirtless pilgrimage by athletic souls who run the main road linking
Catania to the sanctuary at Trecastagni.

Annual World Windsurfing Festival Mondello (last week). Races, food, drink and
entertainment.

JUNE

Sagra di Fragola Maletto (dates vary). This little town is famous for its strawberries,
considered to be the sweetest and most intense in Sicily, and the strawberry festival
here sees a weekend of processions through the streets in traditional hand-painted
Sicilian carts.

International Film Festival Taormina (second/third week in June). Screenings in the
Teatro Greco.

Sagra del Mare Sciacca (June 27–29). A statue of St Peter is paraded on a boat at
sea; there’s a big fish-fry and maritime-themed games at the port.

JULY

Festival of St Rosalia Palermo (July 11–15). A procession of the saint’s relics,
fireworks and general mayhem.