The gastronomic culture in Sicily is a journey through its history, crossed by different dominations and contaminations, where food is evidence of a perfect harmony. At Christmas the harmony of tastes is even enhanced and each area of the Island offers its own specialties.
Among the appetizers, especially in Catania, you cannot miss the savory “crispelle” in their classic version with an elongated shape filled with anchovies and in their rounded version, filled with ricotta.
In Palermo area let’s get started with sweet and sour pumpkin and poached broccoli. Simple or stuffed focaccias are a separate chapter: you can find them throughout the island with different names, doughs and fillings: thecudduruni, thescacce, thescacciate, thefocaccia, ‘nfriulati, imbriulati and the pitoni, filled with ricotta, tuma cheese, olives and anchovies, vegetables and meat. Palermo, on the other hand, is the home of sfincione, a sort of pizza bread (leavened and soft as a sponge) topped with a sauce based on tomato, onion, and pieces of caciocavallo on top.
Take a short break to enjoy a good glass of Nero d’Avola or Nerello Mascalese wine, and then go on with the first courses.
A typical recipe of this time of year is the anelletti alla palermitana, a baked pasta dish of Sicilian origin which owes its name to the ring-like shape of the pasta.
In Palermo, pasta with sardines and wild fennel is considered the first “sea and mountain” dish in history, and dates back to over thousand years ago.
In Modica (in Ragusa area) the most popular recipe is “cacate lasagna” with pork ragù, fresh ricotta and grated pecorino. Christmas Pasticcio or Pasticcio di Noto, is another typical first course, composed of a very stuffed dough, so much so that it can be considered a single-course meal.
Among the second courses, also in Palermo area, the Xmas dish par excellence is beccafico sardines, simple but flavorful.
Another typical dish is Pesce stocco ‘a ghiotta, stock fish in Messina style: an extraordinary and ancient Sicilian recipe. With clear Norman influences (it is a typical fish from Scandinavian countries) it immediately became the star, together with salt cod, of many traditional Sicilian dishes. It is prepared in a pan with pickled white olives, tomatoes, celery, capers and potatoes.
If you don’t like fish, there is no hassle. You can choose among a rich selection of meat-based second courses, including the falsomagro, the typical Sicilian stuffed meat roll stuffed with meats, cheese and peas. However, all Sicilian families have their own version..
And if it is true that we are all better at Christmas, you deserve all the sweetness that Sicily can give you: cannoli and ricotta cassata, rice “crispelle” with honey, Saint Lucy’s “cuccìa”, “mustazzola”, the chocolate and the orange juice from Modica, almond cookies, the pignolata, and the Sicilian Christmas dessert par excellence, the buccellato: a biscuit filled with dried figs, almonds, walnuts, honey , jam and raisins.
It’s not part of our tradition but artisanal Christmas panettone has recently gained a foothold on our tables. The one produced in Castelbuono is exquisite, filled with Sicilian PGI ingredients: pistachios from Bronte, chocolate from Modica, candied fruit…
Sicilians use to end their meal by eating dried fruit: peanuts, hazelnuts, walnuts and the inevitable dried figs. Dessert wines and liqueurs cannot be missing: you have just to choos between a glass of Marsala wine and one of Malvasia di Lipari, or between a glass of Moscato di Pantelleria and another of Zibibbo
FAQs
The gastronomic culture in Sicily is a journey through its history, crossed by different dominations and contaminations, where food is evidence of a perfect harmony. At Christmas the harmony of tastes is even enhanced and each area of the Island offers its own specialties.
What is a traditional Sicilian Christmas dinner? ›
What are the first Sicilian Christmas dishes. More often than not it is baked pasta , timbales of pasta or rice, lasagna, in short, rich and caloric Christmas first courses that best interpret the festive feeling.
Where is the best place to go for Christmas in Sicily? ›
Try visiting the South-East – Noto and Syracuse area truly charming during Christmastime – or head to Catania or Palermo if you're looking for a more lively atmosphere. Whether you choose you can count on one of our villas for a pleasant stay. It could be the perfect present under your Christmas tree!
How do Sicilians celebrate Christmas? ›
Besides the evenings at home, in Sicily people have fun also in the squares and in the streets that, in this period of the year, are enriched by wonderful and elaborated illuminations. In some cities of the island are organized real shows, such as "Lo Zucco" (U Zuccu): Lo Zucco is a huge bonfire on Christmas Eve.
Is Sicily good for Christmas? ›
Sicily is one of the warmest places in Europe in the winter, and people come to Sicily in winter to enjoy a bit of sunshine when the rest of the continent is frozen. Winter also happens to be low season, with the lowest prices of the year and the fewest crowds.
What is traditionally eaten on Christmas Day in Italy? ›
In Southern and Central Italy, baked pasta is a must. In Northern Italy, Lasagne Bolognese and filled pasta like manicotti and ravioli are traditional Christmas fare. Next comes the main event, the meat. Roasted veal, baked chicken, sausages or braised beef are common Natale entrées worth celebrating.
Why do Sicilians have seven fishes on Christmas? ›
The seven fish dishes refer to the seven sacraments of the Roman Catholic church, or the seven days it took God to make the Universe, or the seven virtues, or the seven deadly sins. Some Italians celebrate with 13 dishes for the 12 apostles plus Jesus.
How cold is Sicily in December? ›
Temperatures across the island range between an average low of 52°F and high of 61°F (11-16°C) with the hills in the interior of the island being colder (sometimes seeing snow during cold spells), and mountainous areas over 3,300 feet (1,000 m) sometimes receiving an abundance.
What is Palermo like at Christmas? ›
Christmas in Palermo mixes tradition and modernity: there are moments of liturgy, feast and food. On the 8th of December, the city starts to get the christmas atmosphere that will go on for the rest of the month.
What is the most beautiful part of Sicily? ›
The 10 Most Beautiful Towns to Visit in Sicily, Italy
- Catania, for hiking Mount Etna. ...
- Palermo, for grand Sicilian architecture. ...
- Syracuse, for ancient Greek history. ...
- Taormina, for views from the rocky hilltop. ...
- Agrigento, for historical ruins. ...
- Messina, for easy ferry access. ...
- Cefalù, for a family-friendly seaside destination.
MERRY CHRISTMAS! BUON NATALE! Sicilian card games – tap the image to find out more.
Do Sicilians eat meat on Christmas Eve? ›
The long tradition of eating seafood on Christmas Eve dates from the Roman Catholic tradition of abstaining from eating meat on the eve of a feast day. As no meat or animal fat could be used on such days, observant Catholics would instead eat fish (typically fried in oil).
Are there any Christmas markets in Sicily? ›
6. Christmas markets in Rometta Marea. La piazza di Rometta Superiore all'ora blu. The Rometta Marea Christmas market is one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Sicily and is ready to welcome visitors with a magical Christmas spirit.
What is open in Sicily on Christmas Day? ›
AFAIK only restaurants and cinemas are open on Xmas day and January 1st. Welcome to Sicily Inspiration693591! The National holidays are 25 and 26 December, and 1 January. Public transport is reduced on these days as well as Sundays.
Is Palermo or Catania better? ›
Palermo is the cultural capital of Sicily and is known for its stunning architecture and mosaics, vibrant street markets, diverse cultural attractions, and lively nightlife. Catania is a smaller city that offers a unique mix of Sicilian culture, excellent food and wine, and stunning views of Mt. Etna in the background.
What is the best month to visit Sicily? ›
April, May, June and October are ideal, with few crowds, lots of festivals, and mild weather.
What is the traditional Italian Christmas Eve dinner? ›
In Italy, the Christmas Eve dinner is typically meat-free. It consists of seven different types of seafood – known as the 'Feast of the Seven Fishes' in Italian-American culture. Seven is a number with tremendous significance in numerous cultures; it symbolizes completeness, flawlessness and solidarity.
Do Italians eat meat on Christmas Eve or La Vigilia di Natale? ›
Start feasting on La Vigilia di Natale (Christmas Eve)
Traditionally, Italian Christmas Eve dinner is a meat-free meal. According to an old Catholic tradition, it's meant to purify your body ahead of a religious celebration. So, instead of meat, it's all about seafood.
What are the seven fishes in the Italian Christmas meal? ›
This pasta involves seven fish: clams, mussels, halibut, shrimp, anchovy, calamari and scallops. It's nice to have a whole fish, head and tail included, to signify abundance.
