EASYROME

The island of Sicily is situated southwest of southern Italy in the Mediterranean Sea. You may be surprised by the weather here, especially in early March. Don't even think about sipping a coffee in a terrace by the seaside in the early spring. But by late March the wildflowers will be in bloom. By mid-May a beach outing is a real possibility. And it's strawberry season before the month is out.

The city of Modica, population about 55 thousand, on the southern coast has been named a UNESCO Heritage site along with its surroundings. Modica claims to have Italy's best chocolate since it was introduced by the Spanish conquistadors in the 1500s. On March 19 a bonfire burns all night long in front of the church of its patron saint, Saint George. On the 23rd of the month the city of Vittoria, population 60 thousand, situated near the southwestern coast presents the Feast of the Foundation, an exhibition of local wines. Two days later the city of Patti, whose population is approximately 30 thousand, hosts the Annunziata's feast with a parade of little children dressed like angels and covered in gold. The last Friday of March the town of San Marco d'Alunzio, population 2 thousand, about 75 miles (120 kilometers) east of Palermo in northern Sicily celebrates the Festa della Crocifisso. A solemn procession of thirty three hooded worshippers called Babaluti carry a Crucifix.

The town of Cerda, population about 5 thousand, some 25 miles (45 kilometers) southeast of Palermo is proud to host the Festival of the Artichoke on April 25. Look for special artichoke dishes on the menu of local restaurants as well as folklore displays. If you like cheese go to the village of Buscemi, population just over one thousand, located some 30 miles (50 kilometers) west of Syracuse for its Sacre de Ricotta (Ricotta Festival) on the last weekend of the month, honoring their local sheep's milk cheese. This is no ordinary marketing festival; the locals make fresh ricotta in huge vats over open fires. Everybody gets in line for warm ricotta served with freshly baked bread. You'll enjoy the brass bands and traditional hand-painted Sicilian carts in the background.

The island complex of Favignana, population about 4500, a short hydrofoil ride from the western coast of Sicily is known for its tuna. On the second Sunday of May catch their tuna-fish fry. You say you won't be tempted by their tuna fish; there's a lot of other fish and seafood in these parts. About a week later go to the city of Trecastagni, population 9 thousand, about 100 miles (160 kilometers) southeast of Palermo for the Sant'Alfio Procession of Costumes and Carts in honor of three saints. On the fourth Sunday in May, the city of Casteltermini, population about 9 thousand, some 45 miles (70 kilometers) southeast of Palermo hosts the Taratata Fair which includes costumes, cavalcades, and the reenacting of historic battles the Normans and Arabs. Don't miss the Ballo del Taratata, a men's only dance with long swords and beating drums.

Levi Reiss has authored or co-authored ten books on computers and the Internet but he would rather just drink fine Italian or other wine, accompanied by the right foods. He teaches various computer classes in an Ontario French-language community college. Check out his wine website http://www.theworldwidewine.com with a weekly column reviewing $10 wines and new sections writing about (theory) and tasting (practice) organic and kosher wines.

Article Source: ArticleSpan