Festive sacred street life
During sacred and cultural festivals and the evening passeggiata the streets of Polizzi teem with people: to pay their undying respects to the centuries old patron saint, martyred saints or otherworldly revered holy figures.
To stroll the evening passeggiata to see who is out and about, to stop kiss cheeks and chat, watch children play freely and teenagers roam close by, to have an aperitivo at one of the bars along the main Corso or just to lean on the railing of the belvedere to view the sunset.
It is all very social, very slow, and full of both fun and serious ritual.
Good Friday solemn procession
Back streets Good Friday procession
Sacred procession
Christmas lights on the main street- Via Garibaldi
Festival of the patron saint, San Gandolfo
Main Corso, Via Garibaldi, strung with bunting for the Hazelnut Festival
Quieter daily life
When not in festive mode the quieter daily life of Polizzi is magnified- washing just hung, the local school bus dropping children, doors ajar for cleaning, friendly chatter across the narrow streets, the elderly walking slowly down the quiet streets, shopkeepers standing front of house, shoppers buying provisions,
And the Corso and back streets... so quiet near 1pm except for strangers in search of one of the village restaurants. Or some locals heading out for lunch.
Main Corso, Via Garibaldi in silence...(the pharmacy is no longer there)
Back street, Via Notar Nicchi -washing and a slow walk
Yellow school bus- Via Roma
Back street near Ristorante U Bagghiu
Via Vinciguerra looking to the worn dome of the ancient mosque.
Washing strung
Christmas 2022 in Polizzi- to return.
I will be back in Polizzi in December to enjoy a cold Christmas, explore the Madonie region a little more and spend time on the east side of the island, around Etna and Taormina. All a lovely thought.
I will write about some highlights in 2023.
Salve
Suzanne
Photos: 4th & 6th are by Maria Culletta - Maria is one of the managers at the house.