Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Capodanno
(New Year's Day) 1 January
Epifania
(Epiphany) 6 January
Pasquetta
(Easter Monday) March/April
Giorno della Liberazione
(Liberation Day) 25 April
Festa del Lavoro
(Labour Day) 1 May
Festa della Repubblica
(Republic Day) 2 June
Ferragosto
(Feast of the Assumption) 15 August
Festa di Ognisanti
(All Saints' Day) 1 November
Festa della Immacolata Concezione
(Feast of the Immaculate Conception) 8 December
Natale
(Christmas Day) 25 December
Festa di Santo Stefano
(Boxing Day) 26 December
Safe Travel
Despite Mafia notoriety, Sicily is not a dangerous place and the biggest threat you face is not from the local
capo
but
from faceless pickpockets and bag-snatchers.
Scams
Many scams play on visitors' insecurity with foreign banknotes. One simple con to watch out for is short-changing. A
typical scene runs as follows: you pay for a €3
panino
with a €20 note. The cashier then distractedly gives you a €2 coin
and a €5 note before turning away. The trick here is just to wait and chances are that the €10 you're waiting for will ap-
pear without a word being said.
Theft
There's no need for paranoia, but be on your guard against pickpockets and bag-snatchers, particularly in crowded mar-
kets (Palermo and Catania especially) and when travelling to or from the airports.
A money belt for essentials is a good idea, but avoid delving into it in public by carrying a wallet with a day's worth
of cash in it. Don't flaunt watches, cameras and other valuables. If you're carrying a bag or camera, wear the strap
across the body and away from the road - moped thieves can swipe a bag and be gone in seconds.
Be careful when you sit down at a streetside cafe or restaurant - never drape your bag over an empty chair by the road
or where you can't see it.
Cars, particularly those with foreign number plates or rental-company stickers, are also vulnerable. Never leave valu-
ables in your car and if possible park in a secure parking lot.
Always report theft or loss to the police within 24 hours, and ask for a statement; otherwise, your travel insurance
company won't pay out.
