L'Italo-Americano

THURSDAY, AUGUST 22, 2024 www.italoamericano.org 16 L'Italo-Americano R agusa Ibla is a v i l l a g e i n t h e s o u t h e a s t e r n p a r t o f S i c i l y , approximately 1 5 m i l e s f r o m t h e c i t y o f Modica and about 60 miles from Catania. It sits on a hill- t o p i n t h e H y b l a e a n Mountains and is part of t h e c i t y o f R a g u s a . I t i s k n o w n f o r i t s s t r i k i n g Baroque architecture and rich history. I n d e e d , t h e v i l l a g e h a s ancient origins, with settle- ments dating back to the 2nd m i l l e n n i u m B C . Archaeological evidence sug- g e s t s t h a t t h e a r e a w a s inhabited by the Sicels, an indigenous people of Sicily, before it was colonized by the G r e e k s a n d l a t e r t h e Romans. Each of these civi- lizations left their mark on the region, with remnants of Greek and Roman structures still found in the area. After t h e f a l l o f t h e R o m a n Empire, Ragusa came under B y z a n t i n e a n d l a t e r A r a b control, both of which intro- d u c e d n e w c u l t u r a l a n d architectural influences. However, the devastat- ing earthquake of 1693 reshaped the village, which was rebuilt in the Baroque style, leading to the ornate churches and palaces that define its skyline today. The e a r t h q u a k e a l s o s p l i t t h e town into two: Ragusa Ibla a n d t h e n e w e r , u p p e r Ragusa. Among the most promi- nent architectural landmarks i n t o w n , w e f i n d t h e Cathedral of San Giorgio, a m a s t e r p i e c e o f S i c i l i a n Baroque designed by Rosario Gagliardi. Its grand dome and elegant façade are a per- fect example of this architec- tural style and the interior is equally striking, featuring intricate stucco work, lavish altars, and religious artwork. O t h e r n o t a b l e l a n d m a r k s include the Church of San Giuseppe, with its unique e l l i p t i c a l p l a n , a n d t h e Giardino Ibleo, a public garden that offers panoramic views of the surrounding val- leys. Palazzo La Rocca, with its elaborate balconies a n d s t o n e c a r v i n g s , a l s o highlights the area's rich architectural heritage. Ragusa Ibla is also sur- rounded by natural beauty. Just outside the village, visi- t o r s c a n e x p l o r e t h e l u s h H y b l a e a n M o u n t a i n s , with their picturesque land- s c a p e s a n d m a n y h i k i n g t r a i l s . T h e n e a r b y C a v a d'Ispica, a natural canyon dotted with prehistoric cave d w e l l i n g s a n d a n c i e n t n e c r o p o l i s e s , i s a n o t h e r m u s t - s e e d e s t i n a t i o n f o r nature and history lovers. As every village in Italy, e s p e c i a l l y i n t h e S o u t h , Ragusa Ibla is also known for its cultural traditions and local festivals: the Feast of San Giorgio, held in late May, is the most significant religious celebration in the v i l l a g e , a n d i t i n v o l v e s a grand procession through t h e s t r e e t s , f e a t u r i n g t h e s t a t u e o f S a n G i o r g i o o n horseback. The festival is a blend of religious devotion and local pride, accompa- nied by music, food stalls, and fireworks. Another key event is the Ibla Buskers F e s t i v a l , w h i c h a t t r a c t s street performers and artists from around the world to the v i l l a g e i n t h e m o n t h o f October — this year, the fes- tival takes place from the 4th to the 6th of the month. Local c u l i n a r y t r a d i - tions here reflect the rich- ness of Sicilian cuisine, with an emphasis on fresh local ingredients. Traditional dish- es include scacce, a stuffed flatbread filled with toma- toes, cheese, or vegetables, a n d c a v a t e l l i , a t y p e o f p a s t a o f t e n s e r v e d w i t h hearty sauces. Sicilian can- noli and cassata are popular desserts in the region, with flavors often enhanced by the high-quality ricotta produced in the area. Visitors can also enjoy local wines, particular- ly from the Cerasuolo di Vittoria region, Sicily's only DOCG-certified wine. Curiously, Ragusa Ibla has served as a filming location for the popular Italian TV s e r i e s I n s p e c t o r M o n t a l b a n o , w h i c h h a s drawn international atten- tion to its architecture. The village's charm and relatively remote location a l s o m a k e i t a p e a c e f u l retreat for travelers looking to experience the slower pace of Sicilian life, away from the m o r e c r o w d e d t o u r i s t hotspots. As you can see, Ragusa Ibla is a place where ancient traditions, stunning Baroque structures, and the flavors of Sicily come togeth- er. Its narrow streets, cultur- al events, and delectable cui- sine make it a beautiful des- t i n a t i o n t o d i s c o v e r a t a slower, more relaxed pace, while taking in all the beauty of its traditions and history. T h e F e s t a d e l Peperoncino in D i a m a n t e , C a l - abria, is a lively celebration that honors the region's beloved chili pepper (peperonci- no), a cornerstone of Calabri- a n c u i s i n e a n d c u l t u r e . Known for its use in dishes such as nduja and pasta alla diavola, the spicy peperonci- no has deep roots in the local c u l i n a r y t r a d i t i o n , a n d i s associated both with flavor and the fiery spirit of Cal- abrian people. The Festa, which takes place annually in the month of September, is an occasion to celebrate both chili peppers and Calabria's gastronomic heritage with passion and pride. T h i s y e a r t h e f e s t i v a l , w h i c h w i l l b e h e l d i n Diamante from September 11 to 15, 2024, marks its 32nd edition: it was founded in 1 9 9 2 b y j o u r n a l i s t E n z o Monaco as a way to high- light the historical connec- tion between Calabria and the Americas, from where the chili pepper was intro- d u c e d . O v e r t h e y e a r s , the Festa del Peperoncino has grown into one of the most significant culinary fes- tivals in Italy, drawing thou- sands of visitors from across the world. A t t e n d e e s c a n e x p e c t a variety of activities centered around the fiery pepper, with one of the main attractions b e i n g t h e C a m p i o n a t o Italiano di Mangiatori d i P e p e r o n c i n o , w h e r e participants compete to eat as many chili peppers as pos- sible in a set time, making for an entertaining and intense spectacle. The festival also includes food stands offering r e g i o n a l s p e c i a l t i e s , l i v e m u s i c , t h e a t r i c a l p e r f o r - m a n c e s , a n d e v e n a r t exhibits. Medical conferences discussing the health benefits of chili peppers, such as their antioxidant properties, are also a feature, adding an edu- cational dimension to the festivities . And if you want to take a break from spiciness, you'll be happy to know that the romantically named village of Diamante is a lovely place to be: picturesque and relax- i n g , t h i s c o a s t a l t o w n i s k n o w n f o r i t s b e a u t i f u l murals and stunning seaside views. Visitors can wander through its charming streets while enjoying both the spicy fare and the lively atmos- phere. For chili lovers and culture enthusiasts alike, the Festa del Peperoncino is a unique opportunity to discover and enjoy the flavors and tradi- tions of Calabria . Calabrian peperoncini are celebrated every year in Diamante (Laudibi/Dreamstime) The charming Ragusa Ibla (Photo: Friptuleac Roman/Dreamstime) A spicy tradition! The Festa del Peperoncino in Diamante Ragusa Ibla, the Hyblaean queen of Baroque LA VITA ITALIANA TRADITIONS HISTORY CULTURE BORGHI

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