Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
THE MYTH OF PERSEPHONE
The tale of Hades' capture of Demeter's daughter Persephone (also known as Proserpina) is one of the most fam-
ous Greek myths. According to Homeric legend, Hades (god of the underworld) emerged from his lair and abduc-
ted Persephone while she was gathering flowers around Lago di Pergusa (
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)
. Not knowing where her
daughter had disappeared to, Demeter (goddess of the harvest) forbade the earth to bear fruit as she wandered the
world looking for her. Eventually, she turned to Zeus, threatening that if he didn't return her daughter she would
inflict eternal famine on the world. Zeus submitted to her threat and ordered Hades to release Persephone, though
stipulating that every year she should spend six months in the underworld with Hades and six months in Sicily
with her mother. Demeter still mourns during Persephone's time in the underworld, bringing winter to the world;
her joy at her daughter's return is heralded by the blossoms of springtime.
Festivals & Events
Holy Week
The week building up to Easter is marked by solemn religious celebrations, during which
the city's religious confraternities parade around in creepy capes and white hoods. The
main events are on Palm Sunday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday.
RELIGIOUS
Festa di Maria Santissima
della Visitazione
Fireworks and scantily clad farmers mark the town's patron saint's day on 2 July. The
farmers, dressed in white sheets, drag an effigy of the Madonna of the Visitation through
town on a cart called La Nave d'Oro (Golden Ship).
STREET CARNIVAL
Eating
Unlike the coast, the staple here is meat, and local dishes usually involve lamb or beef and
a tasty array of mushrooms and grilled vegetables. Specialities include
castrato
(charcoal-
grilled castrated ram) and
polpettone
(stuffed lamb or meatballs). Soups and sausages are
also a feature.
La Fontana
( 093 52 54 65; Via Volturno 6; meals €23; Tue-Sun)
A long-standing trattoria opposite Piazza F
Crispi, this is a relaxed spot for some filling Sicilian country fare, like
minestrone di ver-
dura
(vegetable minestrone) followed by grilled chicken or
fegato arrosto
(roast liver).
There's seating in the cheerful interior or, in summer, on the panoramic piazza.
TRATTORIA
€
