L'Italo-Americano

THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2024 www.italoamericano.org 12 L'Italo-Americano A l t h o u g h m a n y S i c i l i a n s h a v e left their home- l a n d o v e r t h e past century and a half in search of a better future, they certainly haven't forgotten it. They've integrat- ed well into new countries, cities, and communities, often achieving successful careers and earning respect. Genera- tions have passed, but for those with Sicilian blood, the call of their heritage remains strong. Aware of this, the Borghi dei Tesori Roots Festival has been held in Sicily for the past four years. This year's edition is part of t h e Y e a r o f R o o t s Tourism, a project by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs through its regional branch, Italea Sicilia. The n a m e I t a l e a S i c i l i a i s a reminder that just as a cutting taken from a plant can thrive a n d b e a r n e w f r u i t w h e n planted in fertile soil, emi- grants can also flourish in new environments. Inspired by this analogy between emigrants and plant cuttings, the festival features a biodegradable paper con- taining seeds, developed with the help of the Botanical Garden of Palermo. This scientific garden of the Uni- versity of Palermo, which will celebrate its 230th anniver- sary in 2025, is a partner of the project, along with the Fondazione Sicilia. Simply p l a c e t h e p a p e r o n t h e g r o u n d , w a t e r i t , a n d t h e essence of the villages will bloom! This is a wonderful chance to immerse yourself in the past, recalling old habits, cus- toms, arts, and crafts, as well as experiencing places of infi- nite beauty and poignant real- ity. These include landscapes, curiosities, gastronomy, histo- ry, folklore, art, and every- thing that makes each place unique. From May 10 to 26, on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, visitors can explore and savor the most interesting traditions and fea- tures of the 46 villages partici- pating in the initiative. They will experience unforgettable moments. For those returning or visiting these places for the first time, it will be an immer- sion into the world of those w h o w e r e b o r n a n d l i v e d there before seeking better social and economic opportu- nities elsewhere. From west to east, villages from every province will par- t i c i p a t e i n t h e f e s t i v a l . Although they share common roots—the land, customs, and traditions of the island—each stop will offer its own surpris- es. You might find them in artistic monuments, church- es, stunning landscapes, cas- tles, or dishes made from local, farm-to-table ingredi- ents, able to enchant even t h o s e u n a c c u s t o m e d t o ancient and genuine flavors. You might find yourself lis- tening to a concert in a her- mitage at sunset, wandering through the rooms of an Arab castle, walking the Via Fran- cigena, stopping in a muse- um, or visiting a craftsman's workshop where traditional trades are still practiced. You can also taste unique local foods found only in these spe- cial places. Among the destinations, and without listing them all, Centuripe in the province of Enna is a must-see. From above, it resembles Leonardo da Vinci's Vitruvian Man or a s t a r f i s h . T h e M a d o n i e m o u n t a i n r a n g e i n c l u d e s eleven villages, such as the Petralias: Sottana with its Catarratti power plant, and Soprana, where you can pet the goats and visit the muse- um with the Sotto Sale sculp- tures in the Italkali salt mine (Italkali is an Italian salt com- pany operating in Petralia to extract salt). In Baucina, you can visit the Sanctuary of Santa Fortunata and taste a special kind of sfincione (a thick, soft-crust pizza) pre- pared by local women. In Valledolmo, visitors can explore the Stagnone, which is almost like a cathe- d r a l o f w a t e r , w h i l e l o c a l young people manage family businesses producing oil, w i n e , a n d s i c c a g n o ( d r y ) tomatoes that grow without water. In Bompietro, you might meet a lawyer who, tired of his old life, decided to revive an old dairy. In Geraci S i c u l o , y o u c a n w a n d e r through churches and palaces to reach the spectacular Salto dei Ventimiglia, a transpar- ent platform suspended in the air, offering breathtaking views and the thrill of being suspended in mid-air. Gangi, with its houses spread across a thousand- meter-high mountain, is a delightful and well-preserved medieval village. Collesano, with its recently reopened castle, invites you to discover its mysteries and offers a unique experience: doing yoga with cows. What about the minne di vergini (virgins' breasts), a typical and exclusive dessert from Sambuca di Sicilia, and the funeral goods from the Tomb of the Queen of Monte Adranone, recently returned to the town by the Salinas Archaeological Muse- um in Palermo? An unmiss- able and highly representa- t i v e e x p e r i e n c e a w a i t s i n M o n t e v a g o , w h e r e t h e memory of the 1968 earth- q u a k e i s p r e s e r v e d i n a n o p e n - a i r m u s e u m w i t h murals of great ethical signifi- cance. Custonaci, with its m a r b l e q u a r r i e s a n d t h e Mangiapane cave, showcases artisan workshops depicting traditional crafts and hosts a live Nativity scene during Christmas. These memory routes, as w e l i k e t o c a l l t h e m , a l s o include Contessa Entellina (Kuntisa), where the spoken language is Arbereshe, and Giuliana, with its Frederick II Castle. In Prizzi, you can visit the municipal archive with documents from the 19th century and records of emigrants. Who would have t h o u g h t t h a t i n C h i u s a Sclafani, the Benedictine nuns of the Abbey distilled perfumes? And that in Bisac- q u i n o , t h e h o m e t o w n o f director Frank Capra's family, there is the oldest watchmak- i n g w o r k s h o p , w h i c h h a s b e e n t r a n s f o r m e d i n t o a museum of time? In Burgio, you can dis- cover how a bell is cast and f i n d m u m m i e s i n t h e Capuchin crypt that are better preserved than any others on the island. Siculiana, the hometown of Formula 1 dri- ver Ayrton Senna's family, and home to a new museum dedicated to him, is known as the city of lovers and sunsets. Calascibetta, a haven for archaeology enthusiasts, fea- tures rock-cut necropolises, B y z a n t i n e v i l l a g e s , a n d medieval prisons. At the southeastern tip of Sicily, a boat trip to the small island facing Portopalo di Capo Passero is a must. H e r e , t h e I o n i a n a n d Mediterranean seas meet, and you can find the world's largest marine telescope. There are still many sur- prises that the 46 villages of the island hold for visitors. Every Sicilian, whether cur- rently living on the island or having roots there, will find a reason deep in their heart to step back in time and savor the sweetness of their nostal- gia, or as the Portuguese say, saudade. TERESA DI FRESCO LIFE PEOPLE PLACES HERITAGE The magic of Petralia Soprana, the highest village in the Madonie Mountains, Sicily (Photo: Eva Pruchova/Dreamstime) Beyond the Postcards: Sicily's Villages of Treasures

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