With the arrival of spring (and 30°) and the weekend of Easter upon us, Sicily is preparing to welcome residents and tourists with a series of events, cultural appointments and outdoor entertainment. From excursions in the parks to visiting the museumspassing through i markets and amusement parks, the entire region comes alive with a mix of tradition, culture and adrenaline. The Easter edition craft fair was set up in the heart of Palermo, offering twenty exhibition spaces; in Catania it will be possible to visit the Benedictine monastery and the botanical garden and again, in Messina it will be possible to witness the procession of the “simulacra of the risen Jesus and the Madonna of Mercy”. Below, we point out some activities you can do in the company of family and friends.
Palermo “curtigghiara”, tour
On Sunday 31 March at 10.30 am, an exciting tour will lead participants to discover the most fascinating secrets of Palermo, walking along the suggestive historic center of the city. Starting from the majestic Porta Nuova, the route will cross Piazza della Shama, the beating heart of ancient Palermo.
Among baroque palaces, lush gardens, ancient churches and centuries-old convents, participants will be guided to discover the viceroys’ vices, palace conspiracies and the nuns’ secrets. A journey through curious anecdotes and spicy stories that will reveal the most hidden and intriguing side of Palermo’s history.
The tour will focus on the concept of “curtigghio“, intended as gossip and a fundamental element in the social life of the city. the people of Palermo keep in their memory stories of clandestine loves, political plots and forbidden passions, often surrounded by an aura of legend. To participate, booking is mandatory: [email protected]
Procession of simulacra, Messina
The city of Messina is preparing to welcome the suggestive procession of the simulacra of the risen Jesus and of the Madonna della Mercede, a traditional event that involves the local community in a sacred and engaging celebration. The procession will begin at 8 am on March 31, from the church of the Madonna della mercede in via Tommaso Cannizzaro and will unfold along a route that will cross the main streets of the city. Protection by the municipal police force, with temporary closures of the streets involved to allow the event to take place.
Visits to the Benedictine monastery and the botanical garden, Catania
During the Easter holidays, the “Officine cultura” team invites visitors to discover two fascinating places in Catania: the monastery of the Benedictines of San Nicolò l’Arena and the botanical garden. The monastery will be open every day from 10am to 5pm for guided tours which will take participants on a journey through the centuries-old history of this monastic complex. Thanks to guided tours, it will be possible to explore the fascinating architectural and cultural details of the site.
The guided tours of the botanical garden of Catania, organized by “Officine cultura”, will offer the opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature even during Easter. On Sunday 31 March at 11am, visitors will be able to explore the collections of trees, plants and flowers in the scientific garden of the University of Catania.
Guided tour to discover the Florio saga, Palermo
Sunday 31 March at 10.30 am, a fascinating journey through the history and exploits of Florio family awaits you in Piazza Marina, in front of the Garraffo fountain. The tour, lasting 2 hours, will lead participants to discover the extraordinary epic of the Florios, starting from the cove to Piazza Marina, passing through the San Giacomo plain, via Materassai, the cutting of via Roma, the Politeama and the places of the exhibition of 1891-92, up to the Teatro Massimo.
During the guided tour, participants will be able to immerse themselves in the life, business, successes and loves that characterize the history of the Florios, making them one of the most influential families of the time.
Museum of Illusions, Palermo
The “City of illusions“. A new museum, dedicated to the science of optics and visual illusions, offers an engaging and fun experience, where reality mixes with illusion in a mix of magic and wonder. Also open on March 31st, visitors will be able to immerse themselves in interactive itineraries and thematic rooms, where they will find themselves catapulted into a parallel universe where the rules of perception are challenged and imagination takes over.
Treasure hunt at the Palermo botanical garden
Hunt for egg of Easter at the Palermo botanical garden. An appointment to spend a day among centuries-old natural beauty, good weather and dynamic games. “Who seeks…Tr’Eggs” is the special treasure hunt that will entertain adults and children. Followed by a creative workshop with painting of papier-mâché eggs.
“Hip hop market” Easter edition, Palermo
The historic center of Palermo, via Magliocco, welcomes the first Easter edition of “Hip hop market“, the Sicilian crafts fair organized by the Artigianando association. Twenty exhibition spaces located in via Generale Magliocco will be open to the public to show and sell objects handmade by local artisans. Visitors will have the opportunity to admire and purchase a wide range of handcrafted products, including wooden artefacts, jewellery, lavender and lava stone, painted ceramics, olive wood objects and handcrafted bags. The fair offers a unique opportunity to discover the creativity and skill of Sicilian artisans, who skilfully create unique and original pieces.
