Sicilian heritage, follow it all over the world
What does it mean to have an Italian or, even more, a Sicilian heritage? Many people were born outside of Italy but have Italian ancestors. Their grandparents or maybe their great-grandparents were Italian, therefore they still feel Italian. It’s a strong bond with their homeland, a sense of belonging that they share with local communities in many different ways. Sicilian Secrets allows you to discover some curious events and locations from all over the world. Let’s start our journey!
To be a Sicilian is something that goes beyond the country where you were born. Australia, the United States, Argentina…who knows! Sicilian heritage doesn’t have borders, you have it inside your heart and for sure, at least once in your life, you have to visit your own homeland. Don’t you know where your family is from? No problem, Dimensione Sicilia has a new service to discover your roots and create your customized reconnection journey. If you are interested in knowing more, click here!
My heritage has been my grounding, and it has brought me peace.
In the meantime, enjoy this article and find out how Sicilian pride is spread all around the world.
The Sicilian Heritage Festival, Independence (U.S.A.)
Louisiana, U.S.A. If you’re looking for a crazy event by Sicilian-Americans, don’t miss the Sicilian Heritage Festival. It is organized every year on the second weekend in March and offers street dancing, live entertainment, a parade, arts and craft booths, games, Italian music, a beauty pageant and a hilarious meatball tossing competition.
Of course, food is one of the main elements…are you ready to win first prize in the spaghetti eating competition? This whole festival, that now has been going on for more than 10 years, is an appreciation of a beautiful and rich history. Stay posted for the next edition that is scheduled from March 13th to 15th!
The Sicilian Association of Australia Inc.
What happens if you are in Australia, but your heart is in Sicily? You can always decide to join the Sicilian Association of Australia. It was inaugurated on the 24th October 2010 and focuses on Sicilian culture in Australia. The aim is clear: To foster and promote awareness of Sicilian culture and history and its influence in Australia for the benefit of present and future generations.
They always organize a lot of events to engage the community and encourage people to join them and have fun together. From cooking classes to picnics, it’s a way to be in touch with their own Sicilian heritage. The next unmissable event is scheduled for September 14th and is the Annual Dinner called Celebrating Our Sicilian Culture.
Guarino’s Restaurant, Cleveland (U.S.A.)
Ohio, U.S.A. I’m Sicilian, 100% born and raised in Italy. But due to some circumstances, I spent a period of my life in Cleveland. A place that I can definitely suggest to whoever wants to feel like they’re in Sicily or wants to rediscover their Sicilian heritage, is Guarino’s Restaurant.
It is located in Little Italy (yes, even in Cleveland there’s Little Italy…not only in New York) and is 101 years old. The story of this restaurant has Sicilian origins and even today, when you open the menu, you can taste the flavor of this region in the dishes suggested by the chef. Just another interesting fact, this is Cleveland’s oldest restaurant!
Are you ready to rediscover your Sicilian heritage? Bear always in mind Gandhi’s words:
A nation’s culture resides in the hearts and in the soul of its people.
