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{{Template:Infobox Region of Italy {{Template:Infobox Region of Italy
|Name = Sicily |Name = Sicily
|Italian_name = Sicilia
|region_coa = Regione-Sicilia-Stemma.png |region_coa = Regione-Sicilia-Stemma.png
|coa_size = |coa_size =
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Throughout much of its history, Sicily has been considered a crucial strategic location due in large part to its importance for Mediterranean trade routes.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.keyitaly.com/article/sicily-guide/|publisher=KeyItaly.com|title=Sicily|date=] 2007}}</ref> The area was highly regarded as part of '']'', with ] describing ] as the greatest and most beautiful city of all ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ancientworlds.net/aw/Places/Place/805776|publisher=AncientWorlds.net|title=Sicilia's Urbs of Syracusa|date=20 November 2007}}</ref> Throughout much of its history, Sicily has been considered a crucial strategic location due in large part to its importance for Mediterranean trade routes.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.keyitaly.com/article/sicily-guide/|publisher=KeyItaly.com|title=Sicily|date=] 2007}}</ref> The area was highly regarded as part of '']'', with ] describing ] as the greatest and most beautiful city of all ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ancientworlds.net/aw/Places/Place/805776|publisher=AncientWorlds.net|title=Sicilia's Urbs of Syracusa|date=20 November 2007}}</ref>


Although today Sicily is a region of Italy, the island was once a ] in its own right, and as the ] ruled from ] over southern Italy, Sicily, and ]. It later became a part of the ] under the ]s, a kingdom governed from ] that comprised both the island itself and most of Southern Italy. The ] of 1860 led to the dissolution of this kingdom, and Sicily became an ] part of the ]. Although today Sicily is a region of Italy, the island was once a ] in its own right, and as the ] ruled from ] over southern Italy, Sicily, and ]. It later became a part of the ] under the ]s, a kingdom governed from ] that comprised both the island itself and most of Southern Italy. The ] of 1860 led to the dissolution of this kingdom, and Sicily became a fully fledged part of the ].


Sicily is considered to be highly rich in its own unique culture, especially with regard to ], ], ] and ]. The Sicilian economy is largely based on ] (mainly ] and ] orchards); this same rural ] has attracted significant ] in the modern age as its natural beauty is highly regarded.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.yoursicily.net/wedding_sicily.asp|publisher=YourSicily.net|title=Wedding in Sicily|date=20 November 2007}}</ref> Sicily also holds importance for ] and ancient sites such as the ] and the ]. Sicily is considered to be highly rich in its own unique culture, especially with regard to ], ], ] and ]. The Sicilian economy is largely based on ] (mainly ] and ] orchards); this same rural ] has attracted significant ] in the modern age as its natural beauty is highly regarded.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.yoursicily.net/wedding_sicily.asp|publisher=YourSicily.net|title=Wedding in Sicily|date=20 November 2007}}</ref> Sicily also holds importance for ] and ancient sites such as the ] and the ].
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===Greek and Roman period=== ===Greek and Roman period===
{{main|Magna Graecia|Ancient Rome|Sicilia (Roman province)}} {{main|Magna Graecia|Ancient Rome|Sicilia (Roman province)}}
].]] ].]]
About 750 BC, the ] began to ] Sicily, establishing many important settlements. The most important colony was ]; other significant ones were ], ], ], ], and ]. The native Sicani and Sicel peoples were absorbed by the ] with relative ease, and the area was part of '']'' along with the rest of ], which the Greeks had also colonised. Sicily was very fertile, and the introduction of ] and ]s flourished, creating a great deal of profitable trading;<ref name = "knowital"/> a significant part of Greek culture on the island was that of ] and many temples were built across Sicily, such as the ''Valley of the Temples'' at ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://italiansrus.com/articles/temples.htm|publisher=Italiansrus.com|title=Valley of the Temples|date=7 October 2007}}</ref> Politics on the island was intertwined with that of Greece; ] became desired by the ]s, who during ] set out on the ]. Syracuse gained ] and ] as allies, as a result the Athenian army and ships were destroyed, with most of the survivors being sold into slavery.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.livius.org/su-sz/syracuse/siege.html|publisher=Livius.org|title=Siege of Syracuse|date=7 October 2007}}</ref> About 750 BC, the ] began to ] Sicily, establishing many important settlements. The most important colony was ]; also significant were ], ], ], ], and ]. The native Sicani and Sicel peoples were absorbed by the ] with relative ease, and the area was part of '']'' along with the ], which the Greeks had also colonised. Sicily was very fertile, and the introduction of ] and ]s flourished, creating a great deal of profitable trading;<ref name = "knowital"/> a significant part of Greek culture on the island was that of ] and many temples were built across Sicily, such as the ''Valley of the Temples'' at ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://italiansrus.com/articles/temples.htm|publisher=Italiansrus.com|title=Valley of the Temples|date=7 October 2007}}</ref> Politics on the island was intertwined with that of Greece; ] became desired by the ]s, who during ] set out on the ]. Syracuse gained ] and ] as allies, as a result the Athenian army and ships were destroyed, with most of the survivors being sold into slavery.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.livius.org/su-sz/syracuse/siege.html|publisher=Livius.org|title=Siege of Syracuse|date=7 October 2007}}</ref> Syracuse was ruled by a sovereign whos position was known as ]. Before 357 BC philosopher ] visited the island at ] request, attempting to mould his nephew ] into the archetypal ] with little success, the '']'' remains as documentation of this.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.notablebiographies.com/Pe-Pu/Plato.html|publisher=NotableBiographies.com|title=Plato|date=10 December 2008}}</ref>


] ]
While Greek Syracuse controlled much of Sicily, there were a few ] colonies in the far west of the island. When the two cultures began to clash, the ] erupted.<ref name = "hutch"/> Greece began to make peace with the ] in 262 BC and the Romans sought to ] Sicily as its empire's first province. Rome intervened in the ], crushing Carthage so that by 242 BC Sicily had become the first Roman province outside of the ].<ref name="hutch">{{cite news|url=http://encyclopedia.farlex.com/Sicily|publisher=]|title=Sicily|date=7 October 2007}}</ref> The ], in which ] was killed, saw Carthage trying to take Sicily from the Roman Empire. They failed and this time Rome was even more unrelenting in the annihilation of the invaders; during 210 BC the ] M. Valerian, told the ] that "no Carthaginian remains in Sicily".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.10000bc.tv/|publisher=10000BC.tv|title=Sensational Sicily|date=7 October 2007}}</ref> While Syracuse controlled much of Sicily, there were a few ] colonies in the far west of the island. When the two cultures began to clash, the ] erupted.<ref name = "hutch"/> Greece began to make peace with the ] in 262 BC and the Romans sought to ] Sicily as its empire's first province. Rome intervened in the ], crushing Carthage so that by 242 BC Sicily had become the first Roman province outside of the ].<ref name="hutch">{{cite news|url=http://encyclopedia.farlex.com/Sicily|publisher=]|title=Sicily|date=7 October 2007}}</ref> The ], in which ] was killed, saw Carthage trying to take Sicily from the Roman Empire. They failed and this time Rome was even more unrelenting in the annihilation of the invaders; during 210 BC the ] M. Valerian, told the ] that "no Carthaginian remains in Sicily".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.10000bc.tv/|publisher=10000BC.tv|title=Sensational Sicily|date=7 October 2007}}</ref>


Sicily served a level of high importance for the Romans as it acted as the empire's ], it was divided into two ]ships in the form of Syracuse to the east and ] to the west.<ref name = "catholi"/> Although under ] some attempt was made to introduce the ] to the island, Sicily was allowed to remain largely Greek in a cultural sense, rather than a complete cultural ].<ref name="catholi">{{ws|"]" in the 1913 ''Catholic Encyclopedia''}}.</ref> When ] became governor of Sicily, the once prosperous and contented people were put into sharp decline, in 70 BC noted figure ] condemned the misgovernment of Verres in his oration '']''.<ref>{{cite book Sicily served a level of high importance for the Romans as it acted as the empire's ], it was divided into two ]ships in the form of Syracuse to the east and ] to the west.<ref name = "catholi"/> Although under ] some attempt was made to introduce the ] to the island, Sicily was allowed to remain largely Greek in a cultural sense, rather than a complete cultural ].<ref name="catholi">{{ws|"]" in the 1913 ''Catholic Encyclopedia''}}.</ref> When ] became governor of Sicily, the once prosperous and contented people were put into sharp decline, in 70 BC noted figure ] condemned the misgovernment of Verres in his oration '']''.<ref>{{cite book | last = Stockton | first = David | title =Cicero: A Political Biography | publisher =Oxford University Press | url =http://books.google.com/books?id=JqsqlajAPCoC&pg=PA43&lpg=PA43&dq=in+verrem+cicero+verres&source=web&ots=myCxg3IJhT&sig=7mcMkg8q0_lvM9cbu9P66pbktoQ | isbn = 978-0198720331}}</ref> The island was used as a base of power numerous times, being occupied by ] during the ] and ]s, and by ] during the ]. ] first appeared in Sicily during the years following AD 200, between this time and AD 313 when ] finally lifted the prohibition, a significant number of Sicilians became ]s such as ], ], ], ] and many more.<ref name = "earlymediev"/> Christianity grew rapidly in Sicily during the next two centuries, the period of history where Sicily was a Roman province lasted for around 700 years in total.<ref name="earlymediev">{{cite news|url=http://www.bestofsicily.com/history2.htm|publisher=BestofSicily.com|title=Early & Medieval History|date=7 October 2007}}</ref>
| last = Stockton
| first = David
| title =Cicero: A Political Biography
| publisher =Oxford University Press
| url =http://books.google.com/books?id=JqsqlajAPCoC&pg=PA43&lpg=PA43&dq=in+verrem+cicero+verres&source=web&ots=myCxg3IJhT&sig=7mcMkg8q0_lvM9cbu9P66pbktoQ
| isbn = 978-0198720331}}</ref> The island was used as a base of power numerous times, being occupied by ] during the ] and ]s, and by ] during the ]. ] first appeared in Sicily during the years following AD 200, between this time and AD 313 when ] finally lifted the prohibition, a significant number of Sicilians became ]s such as ], ], ], ] and many more.<ref name = "earlymediev"/> Christianity grew rapidly in Sicily during the next two centuries, the period of history where Sicily was a Roman province lasted for around 700 years in total.<ref name="earlymediev">{{cite news|url=http://www.bestofsicily.com/history2.htm|publisher=BestofSicily.com|title=Early & Medieval History|date=7 October 2007}}</ref>


===Early Middle Ages=== ===Early Middle Ages===
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| isbn = 978-0521337199}}</ref> Sicily was used as a base for the Byzantines to conquer the rest of Italy, with ], ], ] and the Ostrogoth capital ] falling within five years.<ref name = "hisnet"/> However, a new Ostrogoth king ], drove down the Italian peninsula, ]ing and conquering Sicily in 550. Totila, in turn, was defeated and killed in the ] by the Byzantine general ] in 552.<ref name="hisnet">{{cite news|url=http://www.historynet.com/magazines/military_history/3025271.html|publisher=Historynet.com|title=Gothic War: Byzantine Count Belisarius Retakes Rome|date=7 October 2007}}</ref> | isbn = 978-0521337199}}</ref> Sicily was used as a base for the Byzantines to conquer the rest of Italy, with ], ], ] and the Ostrogoth capital ] falling within five years.<ref name = "hisnet"/> However, a new Ostrogoth king ], drove down the Italian peninsula, ]ing and conquering Sicily in 550. Totila, in turn, was defeated and killed in the ] by the Byzantine general ] in 552.<ref name="hisnet">{{cite news|url=http://www.historynet.com/magazines/military_history/3025271.html|publisher=Historynet.com|title=Gothic War: Byzantine Count Belisarius Retakes Rome|date=7 October 2007}}</ref>


Byzantine Emperor ] decided to move from the capital ] to ] in Sicily during 660, the following year he launched an assault from Sicily against the ] ], which then occupied most of Southern Italy.<ref name = "travsyrac"/> The rumours that the capital of the empire was to be moved to Syracuse, along with public unrest at pirate raids, probably cost Constans his life as he was assassinated in 668.<ref name="travsyrac">{{cite news|url=http://www.travelmapofsicily.com/syracuse.html|publisher=TravelMapofSicily.com|title=Syracuse, Sicily|date=] 2007}}</ref> His son ] succeeded him, a brief usurpation in Sicily by ] being quickly suppressed by the new emperor. Contemporary accounts report that the ] was widely spoken on the island during this period.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bestofsicily.com/mag/art165.htm|publisher=BestofSicily.com|title=Sicilian Peoples: The Byzantines|date=] 2007}}</ref>
In 535, Emperor Justinian I made Sicily a Byzantine province, and for the second time in Sicilian history, the Greek language became a familiar sound across the island. As the power of the Byzantine Empire waned, Sicily was invaded by the ] of ] in the year 652. By the end of the 7th century ] the nearby port city of ], allowing the ] to build shipyards and a permanent base from which to make more sustained attacks.<ref name="dmsmi">{{cite book|author=],|year=1968|title= ''A History of Sicily: Medieval Sicily 800—1713'',|publisher=Chatto & Windus, London,|isbn=7011 1347 2}} </ref>

Byzantine Emperor ] decided to move from the capital ] to ] in Sicily during 660, the following year he launched an assault from Sicily against the ] ], which then occupied most of Southern Italy.<ref name = "travsyrac"/> The rumors that the capital of the empire was to be moved to Syracuse, probably cost Constans his life as he was assassinated in 668.<ref name="travsyrac">{{cite news|url=http://www.travelmapofsicily.com/syracuse.html|publisher=TravelMapofSicily.com|title=Syracuse, Sicily|date=7 October 2007}}</ref> His son ] succeeded him, a brief usurpation in Sicily by ] being quickly suppressed by the new emperor. Contemporary accounts report that the Greek language was widely spoken on the island during this period.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bestofsicily.com/mag/art165.htm|publisher=BestofSicily.com|title=Sicilian Peoples: The Byzantines|date=7 October 2007}}</ref>
], red domes showing elements of Arab architecture.]] ], red domes showing elements of Arab architecture.]]


By 826, ] the commander of the Byzantine fleet of Sicily forced a nun to marry him. Emperor ] caught wind of the matter and ordered that general Constantine end the marriage and cut off Euphemius' nose. Euphemius rose up, killed Constantine and then occupied Syracuse; he in turn was defeated and driven out to ].<ref name="stan">{{cite news|url=http://archaeology.stanford.edu/MountPolizzo/handbookPDF/MPHandbook5.pdf|publisher=Archaeology.Stanford.edu|title=Brief history of Sicily|date=7 October 2007|format=PDF}}</ref> He offered rule of Sicily over to ] the ] Emir of ] in return for a place as a general and safety; a ] of ]s, ], ] (then ]), ] and ] was sent.<ref name="stan">{{cite news|url=http://archaeology.stanford.edu/MountPolizzo/handbookPDF/MPHandbook5.pdf|publisher=Archaeology.Stanford.edu|title=Brief history of Sicily|date=7 October 2007|format=PDF}}</ref> ] was a ] affair met with much resistance. It took over a century for Byzantine Sicily to be conquered. Syracuse held for a long time, ] fell in 902, and all of Sicily was eventually conquered by Arabs in 965.<ref name="stan">{{cite news|url=http://archaeology.stanford.edu/MountPolizzo/handbookPDF/MPHandbook5.pdf|publisher=Archaeology.Stanford.edu|title=Brief history of Sicily|date=7 October 2007|format=PDF}}</ref> By 826, ] the commander of the Byzantine fleet of Sicily forced a nun to marry him. Emperor ] caught wind of the matter and ordered that general Constantine end the marriage and cut off Euphemius' nose. Euphemius rose up, killed Constantine and then occupied Syracuse; he in turn was defeated and driven out to ].<ref name="stan">{{cite news|url=http://archaeology.stanford.edu/MountPolizzo/handbookPDF/MPHandbook5.pdf|publisher=Archaeology.Stanford.edu|title=Brief history of Sicily|date=7 October 2007|format=PDF}}</ref> He offered rule of Sicily over to ] the ] Emir of ] in return for a place as a general and safety; a ] of ]s, ], ] (then ]), ] and ] was sent.<ref name="stan">{{cite news|url=http://archaeology.stanford.edu/MountPolizzo/handbookPDF/MPHandbook5.pdf|publisher=Archaeology.Stanford.edu|title=Brief history of Sicily|date=7 October 2007|format=PDF}}</ref> ] was a ] affair met with much resistance. It took over a century for Byzantine Sicily to be conquered. Syracuse held for a long time, ] fell in 902, and all of Sicily was eventually conquered by Arabs in 965.<ref name="stan">{{cite news|url=http://archaeology.stanford.edu/MountPolizzo/handbookPDF/MPHandbook5.pdf|publisher=Archaeology.Stanford.edu|title=Brief history of Sicily|date=7 October 2007|format=PDF}}</ref>


Throughout this reign, revolts by Byzantine Sicilians continuously occurred, especially in the east, and parts of the island were re-occupied before being quashed. With the ] also came new agricultural items such as ]s, ]s, ] and ] which were brought to Sicily.<ref name="jpriv">{{cite book
The ] which in turn, increased productivity and encouraged the growth of smallholdings, a dent to the dominance of the landed estates. The Arabs further improved irrigation systems. A description of ] was given by ], an ] who visited Sicily in 950. A walled suburb called the Al-Kasr (the palace) is the center of Palermo until today, with the great Friday mosque on the site of the later Roman cathedral. The suburb of ] (]) contained the ]'s palace, baths, a ], government offices, and a private prison. Ibn Hawqual reckoned 7,000 individual butchers trading in 150 shops.

Throughout this reign, revolts by Byzantine Sicilians continuously occurred, especially in the east, and parts of the island were re-occupied before being quashed. Agricultural items such as ]s, ]s, ] and ] were brought to Sicily.<ref name="jpriv">{{cite book
| last = Privitera | last = Privitera
| first = Joseph | first = Joseph
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| publisher =Hippocrene Books | publisher =Hippocrene Books
| url =http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0781809096/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top | url =http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0781809096/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top
| isbn = 978-0781809092}}</ref> As ]s, the native Christians were allowed ], but had to pay ] to their rulers. However, the ] began to fragment as intra-dynastic quarreling fractured the ] regime.<ref name = "stan"/> During this time there was also a minority ]ish presence.<ref>Raphael Patai, The Jewish Mind, Scribners, 1977, p. 155-6</ref> By the 11th century, mainland southern Italian powers hired ] merecenaries, who ] from the Arabs under ].<ref name="stan">{{cite news|url=http://archaeology.stanford.edu/MountPolizzo/handbookPDF/MPHandbook5.pdf|publisher=Archaeology.Stanford.edu|title=Brief history of Sicily|date=7 October 2007|format=PDF}}</ref> After taking ] and ], he occupied ] with an army of 700 knights. In 1068, ] and his men defeated the Arabs at ], but the most crucial battle was the siege of Palermo, which led to Sicily coming completely under Norman control by 1091.<ref name = "initalymag"/> | isbn = 978-0781809092}}</ref> As ], the native Christians were allowed ], but had to pay ] to their rulers. However, the ] began to fragment as intra-dynastic quarreling fractured the Muslim regime.<ref name = "stan"/> During this time there was also a minority ] presence.<ref>Raphael Patai, The Jewish Mind, Scribners, 1977, p. 155-6</ref> By the 11th century, mainland southern Italian powers were hiring ferocious ] merecenaries, who were Christian descendants of the ]; it was the Normans under ] who conquered Sicily from the Arabs.<ref name="stan">{{cite news|url=http://archaeology.stanford.edu/MountPolizzo/handbookPDF/MPHandbook5.pdf|publisher=Archaeology.Stanford.edu|title=Brief history of Sicily|date=] 2007|format=PDF}}</ref> After taking ] and ], he occupied ] with an army of 700 knights. In 1068, ] and his men defeated the Arabs at ], but the most crucial battle was the siege of Palermo, which led to Sicily coming completely under Norman control by 1091.<ref name = "initalymag"/>


===Kingdom of Sicily=== ===Kingdom of Sicily===
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The ] in 1492 saw ] decreeing the expulsion of every single ] from Sicily.<ref name = "dieli"/> The island was hit by two very serious earthquakes in the east in both 1542 and 1693, just a few years before the latter earthquake the island was struck by a ferocious plague.<ref name="dieli">{{cite news|url=http://www.dieli.net/SicilyPage/History/SicilianHist.html|publisher=Dieli.net|title=Sicilian History|date=7 October 2007}}</ref> There were revolts during the 17th century, but these were quelled with significant force especially the revolts of Palermo and ].<ref name="knowital">{{cite news|url=http://www.knowital.com/history/sicily/sicily-history.html|publisher=KnowItal.com|title=History of Sicily|date=7 October 2007}}</ref> The ] in 1713 saw Sicily assigned to the ], however this period of rule lasted only seven years as it was exchanged for the island of ] with ] of the ]n ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldica.org/topics/france/utrecht.htm|publisher=Heraldica.org|title= The Treaties of Utrecht (1713)|date=7 October 2007}}</ref> The ] in 1492 saw ] decreeing the expulsion of every single ] from Sicily.<ref name = "dieli"/> The island was hit by two very serious earthquakes in the east in both 1542 and 1693, just a few years before the latter earthquake the island was struck by a ferocious plague.<ref name="dieli">{{cite news|url=http://www.dieli.net/SicilyPage/History/SicilianHist.html|publisher=Dieli.net|title=Sicilian History|date=7 October 2007}}</ref> There were revolts during the 17th century, but these were quelled with significant force especially the revolts of Palermo and ].<ref name="knowital">{{cite news|url=http://www.knowital.com/history/sicily/sicily-history.html|publisher=KnowItal.com|title=History of Sicily|date=7 October 2007}}</ref> The ] in 1713 saw Sicily assigned to the ], however this period of rule lasted only seven years as it was exchanged for the island of ] with ] of the ]n ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldica.org/topics/france/utrecht.htm|publisher=Heraldica.org|title= The Treaties of Utrecht (1713)|date=7 October 2007}}</ref>


While the Austrians were concerned with the ], a Spanish prince, ] from ] was able to conquer Sicily and Naples.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.realcasadiborbone.it/uk/archiviostorico/cs_04.htm|publisher=RealCasaDiBorbone.it|title= Charles of Bourbon - the restorer of the Kingdom of Naples|date=7 October 2007}}</ref> At first Sicily was able to remain as an independent kingdom under ], while ruled from Naples. However the advent of ]'s ] saw Naples taken at the ] and Bonapartist ] were instated. ] was forced to retreat to Sicily which he was still in complete control of with the help of ] protection.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.clash-of-steel.co.uk/pages/battle_details.php?battle=CAMPOTENES01|publisher=Clash-of-Steel.co.uk|title=Campo Tenese|date=7 October 2007}}</ref> Following this Sicily joined the ], after the wars were won Sicily and Naples formally merged as the ] under the Bourbons. Major ] movements occurred in 1820 and 1848 against the Bourbon government with Sicily seeking independence; the second of which, the ] was successful and resulted in a period of independence for Sicily.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ohiou.edu/~Chastain/rz/twosicil.htm|publisher=Ohiou.edu|title=Two Sicilies, Kingdom of, 1848-49|date=7 October 2007}}</ref> While the Austrians were concerned with the ], a ] prince, ] from ] was able to conquer Sicily and Naples.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.realcasadiborbone.it/uk/archiviostorico/cs_04.htm|publisher=RealCasaDiBorbone.it|title= Charles of Bourbon - the restorer of the Kingdom of Naples|date=7 October 2007}}</ref> At first Sicily was able to remain as an independent kingdom under ], while the Bourbons ruled over both from Naples. However the advent of ]'s ] saw Naples taken at the ] and Bonapartist ] were instated. ] the Bourbon was forced to retreat to Sicily which he was still in complete control of with the help of ] protection.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.clash-of-steel.co.uk/pages/battle_details.php?battle=CAMPOTENES01|publisher=Clash-of-Steel.co.uk|title=Campo Tenese|date=7 October 2007}}</ref> Following this Sicily joined the ], after the wars were won Sicily and Naples formally merged as the ] under the Bourbons. Major ] movements occurred in 1820 and 1848 against the Bourbon government with Sicily seeking independence; the second of which, the ] was successful and resulted in a sixteen month period of independence for Sicily, until the armed forces of the Bourbons regained control by May 1849.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ohiou.edu/~Chastain/rz/twosicil.htm|publisher=Ohiou.edu|title=Two Sicilies, Kingdom of, 1848-49|date=7 October 2007}}</ref>


===Italian unification=== ===Italian unification===
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Mainland Sicily has three ] which serve numerous European destinations; to the east is the ] which is the busiest on the island (and one of the busiest in all of Italy). Palermo hosts the ], which is also substantially large, the third airport actually on the island is the ] which is smaller. There are also two small airports on smaller islands which are considered part of Sicily; ] and ]. By ], Sicily is served by several ] routes most of which are to Sicily's small surrounding islands and mainland Italy (as well as ]), there is also a daily service between ] and ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://it.geocities.com/traghetti2002/sicilia.html|publisher=Traghetti Guida|title=Traghetti Sicily 2008|date=2 January 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.virtuferries.com/index.aspx|publisher=VirtuFerries.com|title=High speed car/passenger ferry service|date=2 January 2008}}</ref> Mainland Sicily has three ] which serve numerous European destinations; to the east is the ] which is the busiest on the island (and one of the busiest in all of Italy). Palermo hosts the ], which is also substantially large, the third airport actually on the island is the ] which is smaller. There are also two small airports on smaller islands which are considered part of Sicily; ] and ]. By ], Sicily is served by several ] routes most of which are to Sicily's small surrounding islands and mainland Italy (as well as ]), there is also a daily service between ] and ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://it.geocities.com/traghetti2002/sicilia.html|publisher=Traghetti Guida|title=Traghetti Sicily 2008|date=2 January 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.virtuferries.com/index.aspx|publisher=VirtuFerries.com|title=High speed car/passenger ferry service|date=2 January 2008}}</ref>


==Society== ==Demographics==
===Demographics=== ===Population===
{{main|List of Sicilians}} {{main|List of Sicilians}}
] wearing the stereotypical '']''.]] ] wearing the stereotypical '']''.]]
].]]
The people of Sicily are often portrayed as very proud of their island, identity and culture and it is not uncommon for people to describe themselves as ], before the more national description of ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://getaway.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=17000|publisher=Getaway.com.au|title=Sicily|date=] 2007}}</ref> Despite the existence of major cities such as ], ], ] and ], popular stereotypes of Sicilians commonly allude to ]ism, for example the '']'' is one of the main symbols of Sicilian identity; it is derived from the ] of rural ] which arrived in 1800 when Bourbon king ] had fled to Sicily and was protected by the British ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bestofsicily.com/mag/art116.htm|publisher=BestofSicily.com|title=The Coppola Returns|date=20 November 2007}}</ref>
The people of Sicily are often portrayed as very proud of their island, identity and culture and it is not uncommon for people to describe themselves as the regional focusing ], before the more national description of ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://getaway.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=17000|publisher=Getaway.com.au|title=Sicily|date=] 2007}}</ref> Despite the existence of major cities such as ], ], ] and ], popular stereotypes of Sicilians commonly allude to ]ism, for example the '']'' is one of the main symbols of Sicilian identity; it is derived from the ] of rural ] which arrived in 1800 when Bourbon king ] had fled to Sicily and was protected by the British ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bestofsicily.com/mag/art116.htm|publisher=BestofSicily.com|title=The Coppola Returns|date=20 November 2007}}</ref>

], a Sicilian Christian martyr.]]
Throughout history Sicily has rulers from a variety of different cultures, each of whom has contributed island's culture, particularly in the areas of ] and ]. Sicilian people tend to most closely associate themselves with other ]s, with whom they share a common history. Of the ethnicities outside of Italy itself, Sicilians and other southern Italians tend to associate most closely with the ], especially due to the ] and ] cultures. This is exemplified in the saying ''"una faccia, una razza"'', meaning "one face, one race", a phrase Greeks and Southern Italians sometimes use in reference to each other.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articlevalhalla.net/travel-and-leisure/greek-italy-una-fazza-una-razza|publisher=ArticleValhalla.net|title=Greek Italy|date=20 November 2007}}</ref> Modern methods of ] show that aside from other Italians, Greeks are indeed the closest genetically,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=9223254&dopt=|publisher=L.L. Cavalli-Sforza, 1997|title=Citation Genes, peoples, and languages|date=20 November 2007}}</ref><ref name="vona_1998">{{cite book | last = International Journal of Anthropology'', vol. 13 | title =Genetic structure of western Sicily| publisher =Springer Netherlands | url =http://www.periodicals.com/html/ihp_e.html?ei52551 | issn = 0393-9383}}</ref><ref name="rickards_1998">{{cite news|url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=9686481&dopt=|publisher=Rickards et al, 1998|title=Genetic history of the population of Sicily|date=20 November 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12772214&dopt=|publisher=Francalacci et al, 2003|title=Peopling of three Mediterranean islands (Corsica, Sardinia, and Sicily) inferred by Y-chromosome biallelic variability|date=20 November 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=15322918&dopt=|publisher=DiGiacomo et al, 2004|title=Citation Y chromosomal haplogroup J as a signature of the post-neolithic colonization of Europe|date=20 November 2007}}</ref> while other former gene flows are very limited.<ref name="vona_1998">{{cite book | last = International Journal of Anthropology'', vol. 13 | title =Genetic structure of western Sicily| publisher =Springer Netherlands | url =http://www.periodicals.com/html/ihp_e.html?ei52551 | issn = 0393-9383}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10380375&dopt=|publisher=Simoni et al, 1999|title=Patterns of gene flow inferred from genetic distances in the Mediterranean region|date=20 November 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10510571&dopt=|publisher=Kandil et al, 1999|title=Red cell enzyme polymorphisms in Moroccans and Southern Spaniards: New data for the genetic history of the Western Mediterranean|date=20 November 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=11543889|publisher=Scozzari et al, 2001|title=Human Y-chromosome variation in the western Mediterranean area: Implications for the peopling of the region|date=20 November 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?holding=npg&cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=15042509&dopt=|publisher=Cruciani et al, 2004|title= Phylogeographic Analysis of Haplogroup E3b (E-M215) Y Chromosomes Reveals Multiple Migratory Events Within and Out of Africa|date=20 November 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1529-8817.2005.00224.x|publisher=Capelli et al, 2005|title= Population Structure in the Mediterranean Basin: A Y Chromosome Perspective|date=20 November 2007}}</ref> In a very recent and thorough study the genetic contribution of Greek chromosomes to the Sicilian gene pool was estimated to be about 37% whereas the contribution of North African populations was estimated to be around 6%.<ref>"The co-occurrence of the Berber E3b1b-M81 (2.12%) and of the Mid-Eastern J1-M267 (3.81%) Hgs together with the presence of E3b1a1-V12, E3b1a3-V22, E3b1a4-V65 (5.5%) support the hypothesis of intrusion of North African genes. (...) These Hgs are common in northern Africa and are observed only in Mediterranean Europe and together the presence of the E3b1b-M81 highlights the genetic relationships between northern Africa and Sicily. (...) Hg E3b1b-M81 network cluster confirms the genetic affinity between Sicily and North Africa.", </ref><ref>"Considering both these E-M78 subhaplogroups (present study) and the E-M81 haplogroup (Cruciani et al. 2004), the contribution of northern African lineages to the entire male gene pool of Iberia (barring Pasiegos), continental Italy, and '''Sicily''' can be estimated as 5.6%, 3.6%, and '''6.6%''', respectively.", , Cruciani et al. 2007</ref>


Throughtout history Sicily has had rulers from a variety of different cultures, each of whom has contributed island's culture, particularly in the areas of ] and ]. In terms of identity Sicilians generally associate themselves most closely with other ]s, whom they share a common history. After this there is somewhat of an affinity with Greeks due to the shared ], ] and ] history, exemplified by the saying "''una faccia, una razza''", meaning "one face, one race".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articlevalhalla.net/travel-and-leisure/greek-italy-una-fazza-una-razza|publisher=ArticleValhalla.net|title=Greek Italy|date=20 November 2007}}</ref> Modern methods of ] show that aside from other Italians, Greeks are indeed the closest genetically to Sicilians,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=9223254&dopt=|publisher=L.L. Cavalli-Sforza, 1997|title=Citation Genes, peoples, and languages|date=20 November 2007}}</ref><ref name="vona_1998">{{cite book | last = International Journal of Anthropology'', vol. 13 | title =Genetic structure of western Sicily| publisher =Springer Netherlands | url =http://www.periodicals.com/html/ihp_e.html?ei52551 | issn = 0393-9383}}</ref><ref name="rickards_1998">{{cite news|url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=9686481&dopt=|publisher=Rickards et al, 1998|title=Genetic history of the population of Sicily|date=20 November 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12772214&dopt=|publisher=Francalacci et al, 2003|title=Peopling of three Mediterranean islands (Corsica, Sardinia, and Sicily) inferred by Y-chromosome biallelic variability|date=20 November 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=15322918&dopt=|publisher=DiGiacomo et al, 2004|title=Citation Y chromosomal haplogroup J as a signature of the post-neolithic colonization of Europe|date=20 November 2007}}</ref> sharing about 37% of chromosomes in their gene pool.<ref name="humangensicl">{{cite news|url=http://www.nature.com/ejhg/journal/vaop/ncurrent/abs/ejhg2008120a.html|publisher=European Journal of Human Genetics|title=Differential Greek and northern African migrations to Sicily are supported by genetic evidence from the Y chromosome|date=10 December 2008}}</ref> While in comparison other former rulers gene flows are very limited,<ref name="vona_1998">{{cite book | last = International Journal of Anthropology'', vol. 13 | title =Genetic structure of western Sicily| publisher =Springer Netherlands | url =http://www.periodicals.com/html/ihp_e.html?ei52551 | issn = 0393-9383}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10380375&dopt=|publisher=Simoni et al, 1999|title=Patterns of gene flow inferred from genetic distances in the Mediterranean region|date=20 November 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10510571&dopt=|publisher=Kandil et al, 1999|title=Red cell enzyme polymorphisms in Moroccans and Southern Spaniards: New data for the genetic history of the Western Mediterranean|date=20 November 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=11543889|publisher=Scozzari et al, 2001|title=Human Y-chromosome variation in the western Mediterranean area: Implications for the peopling of the region|date=20 November 2007}}</ref> for example ]ers under 4% and ] 2%.<ref name="humangensicl"></ref>
The island of Sicily itself has a population of approximately five million, and there are an additional ten million people of Sicilian descent around the world, mostly in ], ], ] and other European countries. Like the rest of ], immigration to the island is very low compared to other regions of Italy because workers tend to head to ] instead, due to better employment and industrial opportunities. The most recent ] figures show around 74 thousand immigrants out of the total five million population; ] with 14 thousand make up the most immigrants, followed by ], ], ] and other ]ans.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://demo.istat.it/str2005/query.php?lingua=eng&Rip=S5&Reg=R19&Pro=P000&Com=&paese=A9999&submit=Table|publisher=ISTAT.it|title=Region: Sicilia|date=20 November 2007}}</ref> The island of Sicily itself has a population of approximately five million, and there are an additional ten million people of Sicilian descent around the world, mostly in ], ], ] and other European countries. Like the rest of ], immigration to the island is very low compared to other regions of Italy because workers tend to head to ] instead, due to better employment and industrial opportunities. The most recent ] figures show around 74 thousand immigrants out of the total five million population; ] with 14 thousand make up the most immigrants, followed by ], ], ] and other ]ans.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://demo.istat.it/str2005/query.php?lingua=eng&Rip=S5&Reg=R19&Pro=P000&Com=&paese=A9999&submit=Table|publisher=ISTAT.it|title=Region: Sicilia|date=20 November 2007}}</ref>


====Cities and metropolitan areas====
===Major settlements===
In Sicily there are fifteen cities and towns which have a population level above 50,000 people, these are: In Sicily there are fifteen cities and towns which have a population level above 50,000 people, these are:
<div style="font-size:100%"> <div style="font-size:100%">
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|width="10"|&nbsp; |width="10"|&nbsp;
|valign="top"| |valign="top"|
{| class="wikitable" {| class="wikitable" border="1"
|- align=right
|-
!Pos.|| Comune || Province || Inhabitants
! Comune
|- style="text-align:right;"
! Population (2006 est.)
| 1 || ''']''' || Palermo || 665,434
|-
|- style="text-align:right;"
| ]
| 2 || ''']''' || Catania || 300,701
| 665,434
|- style="text-align:right;"
|-
| 3 || ''']''' || Messina || 244,573
| ]
|- style="text-align:right;"
| 300,701
| 4 || ''']''' || Syracuse || 123,494
|-
|- style="text-align:right;"
| ]
| 5 || ''']''' || Trapani || 82,378
| 244,573
|- style="text-align:right;"
|-
| 6 || ''']''' || Caltanissetta || 77,239
| ]
|- style="text-align:right;"
| 123,494
| 7 || ''']''' || Ragusa || 72,419
|-
|- style="text-align:right;"
| ]
| 8 || ''']''' || Trapani|| 70,635
| 82,378
|-
| ]
| 77,239
|-
| ]
| 72,419
|-
| ]
| 70,635
|} |}
|width="30"|&nbsp; |width="30"|&nbsp;
|valign="top"| |valign="top"|
{| class="wikitable" {| class="wikitable" border="1"
|- align=right
|-
!Pos.|| Comune || Province || Inhabitants
! Comune
|- style="text-align:right;"
! Population (2006 est.)
| 9 || ''']''' || Ragusa || 61,424
|-
|- style="text-align:right;"
| ]
| 10 || ''']''' || Caltanissetta || 60,369
| 61,424
|- style="text-align:right;"
|-
| 11 || ''']''' || Agrigento || 59,158
| ]
|- style="text-align:right;"
| 60,369
| 12 || ''']''' || Palermo || 55,283
|-
|- style="text-align:right;"
| ]
| 13 || ''']''' || Ragusa || 54,008
| 59,158
|- style="text-align:right;"
|-
| ] | 14 || ''']''' || Catania || 52,830
|- style="text-align:right;"
| 52,830
| 15 || ''']''' || Trapani || 51,412
|-
| ]
| 55,283
|-
| ]
| 54,008
|-
| ]
| 51,412
|} |}
|} |}
</div> </div>
===Religion===
] functions as the seat of the Archbishop of Palermo.]]
] is by far the largest religion in Sicily, although the Catholic Church is no longer officially the ] of Italy. The Catholic Church is an important feature in Sicilian life. Almost all public places are adorned with crucifixes upon their walls, and most Sicilian homes contain pictures of saints, statues, and other relics. Each town and city has it's own patron saint, and the ] days are marked by lavishly ornamented processions through the streets, with marching bands, and displays of fireworks.

Administration of the Catholic faith on the island is divided into ecclesiastic regions; of the ] there are six ] and an additional eleven ]. There are archbishops for ], ], ], ], ] and ]. There is also an ] for ]; the latter in a sense forms Sicily's biggest religious minority, while they are Catholics in communion with the ], they belong to a particular church known as the ].

Religious events:
* festivity of Santa Rosalia in ]
* Sant'Agata in ]
* Madonna della lettera, a procession from Vara to ]
* Santa Lucia in Siracusa
* San Giorgio in ]
* San Giacomo in ]
* processions of ] in ] and ]
* San Sebastiano in ]
* San Pancrazio in ], a procession by water to Cape ]


==Culture== ==Culture==
Line 269: Line 257:
{{main|Cuisine of Sicily}} {{main|Cuisine of Sicily}}
], a highly popular pastry associated with Sicilian cuisine.]] ], a highly popular pastry associated with Sicilian cuisine.]]
The island has a long history of producing a variety of noted cuisines and ]s, to the extent that Sicily is sometimes nicknamed ''God’s Kitchen'' because of this.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sundaycircle.com/sundaycircle/article.aspx?id=35075|publisher=Sunday Circle|title=Our Man Abroad|date=24 June 2007}}</ref> The ingredients are typically rich in taste while remaining affordable to the general populace.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.italianfoodforever.com/iff/articles.asp?id=55|publisher=ItalianFoodForever.com|title=The Foods Of Sicily - A Culinary Journey|date=24 June 2007}}</ref> The savory dishes of Sicily are viewed to be ], using fresh vegetables and fruits, such as ]es, ]s, ]s (including ]), ], ]s, ], ]s, ]s, ]s commonly coupled with ], freshly caught from the surrounding coastlines, including ], ], ], ], ], ]s and others.<ref name="piras">{{cite book | last = Piras | first = Claudia and Medagliani, Eugenio | title =Culinaria Italy | publisher =Konemann | url =http://www.amazon.com/Culinaria-Italy-Claudia-Piras/dp/3833134461 | isbn = 978-3833134463}}</ref> The island has a long history of producing a variety of noted cuisines and ]s, to the extent that Sicily is sometimes nicknamed ''God’s Kitchen'' because of this.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sundaycircle.com/sundaycircle/article.aspx?id=35075|publisher=Sunday Circle|title=Our Man Abroad|date=24 June 2007}}</ref> The ingredients are typically rich in taste while remaining affordable to the general populace.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.italianfoodforever.com/iff/articles.asp?id=55|publisher=ItalianFoodForever.com|title=The Foods Of Sicily - A Culinary Journey|date=24 June 2007}}</ref> The savory dishes of Sicily are viewed to be ], using fresh vegetables and fruits, such as ]es, ]s, ]s (including ]), ], ]s, ], ]s, ]s, ]s commonly coupled with ], freshly caught from the surrounding coastlines, including ], ], ], ], ], ]s and others.<ref name="piras">{{cite book | last = Piras | first = Claudia and Medagliani, Eugenio | title =Culinaria Italy | publisher =Konemann | url =http://www.amazon.com/Culinaria-Italy-Claudia-Piras/dp/3833134461 | isbn = 978-3833134463}}</ref>


Perhaps the most well known part of Sicilian cuisine is the rich ] dishes including ]s and ]s. ], a tube-shaped shell of fried pastry dough filled with a sweet filling usually containing ], is in particular strongly associated with Sicily worldwide.<ref name="authentic">{{cite book Perhaps the best known part of Sicilian cuisine is the rich ] dishes including ]s and ]s. ], a tube-shaped shell of fried pastry dough filled with a sweet filling usually containing ], is in particular strongly associated with Sicily worldwide.<ref name="authentic">{{cite book | last = Senna | first = Luciana | title =Authentic Sicily | publisher =Touring Club of Italy | url =http://books.google.com/books?id=E7BYFRh5b7oC&dq=authentic+sicily&source=gbs_summary_s&cad=0| isbn = 978-8836534036}}</ref> Biancomangiare, biscotti ennesi (cookies native to ]), braccilatte a Sicilian version of ], ], ], ], ], giuggiulena cookies, ], ], ], ], ] and ] are amongst some of the most notable sweet dishes.<ref name="authentic">{{cite book | last = Senna | first = Luciana | title =Authentic Sicily | publisher =Touring Club of Italy | url =http://books.google.com/books?id=E7BYFRh5b7oC&pg=PA158&lpg=PA158&dq=buccellato+cannoli&source=web&ots=eI-wS9E0l7&sig=j1EGw38mRzZl__Om01QutSjva0I#PPA158,M1 | isbn = 978-8836534036}}</ref>
| last = Senna
| first = Luciana
| title =Authentic Sicily
| publisher =Touring Club of Italy
| url =http://books.google.com/books?id=E7BYFRh5b7oC&pg=PA158&lpg=PA158&dq=buccellato+cannoli&source=web&ots=eI-wS9E0l7&sig=j1EGw38mRzZl __Om01QutSjva0I#PPA158,M1
| isbn = 978-8836534036}}</ref> Biancomangiare, biscotti ennesi (cookies native to ]), braccilatte a Sicilian version of ], ], ], ], ], ], a sweet confection with sesame seeds and almonds (] in Italy) is ], ], ], ], ] and ] are amongst some of the most notable sweet dishes.<ref name="authentic">{{cite book | last = Senna | first = Luciana | title =Authentic Sicily | publisher =Touring Club of Italy | url =http://books.google.com/books?id=E7BYFRh5b7oC&pg=PA158&lpg=PA158&dq=buccellato+cannoli&source=web&ots=eI-wS9E0l7&sig=j1EGw38mRzZl__Om01QutSjva0I#PPA158,M1 | isbn = 978-8836534036}}</ref>


Like the cuisine of the rest of southern Italy, ] plays an important part in Sicilian cuisine, as does ]; for example with ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://fxcuisine.com/default.asp?Display=9|publisher=FXCuisine.com|title=Arancini, the cult Sicilian dish|date=24 June 2007}}</ref> As well as using some other ], Sicily has spawned some of its own, using both cows and sheeps milk, such as ] and ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bestofsicily.com/mag/art87.htm|publisher=BestofSicily.com|title=Sicilian Cheese|date=24 June 2007}}</ref> Spices used include ], ], ], ], and ] which were introducted by the Arabs. ] is used abundantly in many dishes. Although Sicilian cuisine is commonly associated with sea food, meat dishes including ], ], ], ], and ] are also found in Sicily. It was the ] and ] who first introduced a fondness for meat dishes to the island.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bestofsicily.com/food.htm|publisher=BestofSicily.com|title=Sicilian Food and Wine|date=24 June 2007}}</ref> Some varieties of wine are produced from vines which are relatively unique to the island, such as the ] made near the baroque of town of ]. Like the cuisine of the rest of southern Italy, ] plays an important part in Sicilian cuisine, as does ]; for example with ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://fxcuisine.com/default.asp?Display=9|publisher=FXCuisine.com|title=Arancini, the cult Sicilian dish|date=24 June 2007}}</ref> As well as using some other ], Sicily has spawned some of its own, using both cows and sheeps milk, such as ] and ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bestofsicily.com/mag/art87.htm|publisher=BestofSicily.com|title=Sicilian Cheese|date=24 June 2007}}</ref> Spices used include ], ], ], ], and ] which were introducted by the Arabs. ] is used abundantly in many dishes. Although Sicilian cuisine is commonly associated with sea food, meat dishes including ], ], ], ], ], ], and ] are also found in Sicily. It was the ] and ] who first introduced a fondness for meat dishes to the island.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bestofsicily.com/food.htm|publisher=BestofSicily.com|title=Sicilian Food and Wine|date=24 June 2007}}</ref> Some varieties of wine are produced from vines which are relatively unique to the island, such as the ] made near the baroque of town of ].


===Arts=== ===Arts===
]'s ''Palermo Annunciate''.]]

Sicily has long been associated with ]; many ], ], ], ]s, ]s and ] have roots on the island. The history of prestige in this field can be traced back to Greek philosopher ], a ] native who has gone on to become renowned as one of the greatest ]s of all time.<ref>{{cite book | last = Calinger| first = Ronald S | title =A Contextual History of Mathematics| publisher =Prentice Hall | url =http://www.amazon.com/Contextual-History-Mathematics-Ronald-Calinger/dp/0023182857| isbn =978-0023182853}}</ref> ] and ] are two other highly noted early Sicilian philosophers, while the Syracusan ] is held to be the inventor of ].<ref>{{cite book | last = Talfourd| first = Thomas Noon | title =History of Greek Literature|publisher = University of Michigan| url =http://books.google.com/books?id=BDJBAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA173&lpg=PA173&dq=%22invented+comedy%22+Epicharmus&source=web&ots=YLYRp8DDTJ&sig=3pAaO5PptN4IbQKcdydEk73QAO8&hl=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.greeknewsonline.com/modules.php?name=News&file=print&sid=3450|publisher=GreekNewsOnline.com|title=Discovering the Similarity of the Greek and Sicilian Spirit|date=2 January 2008}}</ref> The golden age of Sicilian poetry began in the early 13th century with the ], which was highly influential. Some of the most noted figures in the area of Sicilian poetry and writing are ], ], ] and ]. On the political side notable Sicilian philosophers include: ] who wrote '']'' and ].
].]]

Sicily has long been associated with ]; many ], ], ], ]s, ]s and ] have roots on the island. The history of prestige in this field can be traced back to Greek philosopher ], a ] native who has gone on to become renowned as one of the greatest ]s of all time.<ref>{{cite book | last = Calinger| first = Ronald S | title =A Contextual History of Mathematics| publisher =Prentice Hall | url =http://www.amazon.com/Contextual-History-Mathematics-Ronald-Calinger/dp/0023182857| isbn =978-0023182853}}</ref> ] and ] are two other highly noted early Sicilian-Greek philosophers, while the Syracusan ] is held to be the inventor of ].<ref>{{cite book | last = Talfourd| first = Thomas Noon | title =History of Greek Literature|publisher = University of Michigan| url =http://books.google.com/books?id=BDJBAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA173&lpg=PA173&dq=%22invented+comedy%22+Epicharmus&source=web&ots=YLYRp8DDTJ&sig=3pAaO5PptN4IbQKcdydEk73QAO8&hl=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.greeknewsonline.com/modules.php?name=News&file=print&sid=3450|publisher=GreekNewsOnline.com|title=Discovering the Similarity of the Greek and Sicilian Spirit|date=2 January 2008}}</ref> The golden age of Sicilian poetry began in the early 13th century with the ], which was highly influential. Some of the most noted figures in the area of Sicilian poetry and writing are ], ], ] and ]. On the political side notable Sicilian philosophers include: ] who wrote '']'' and ].

], Sicily.]]


{{cquote|''Give me a lever and a place to stand and I will move the Earth!''|20px|20px|]<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.buzzle.com/editorials/7-30-2004-57259.asp|publisher=Buzzle.com|title=Could Archimedes have lifted the earth?|date=2 January 2008}}</ref>}} {{cquote|''Give me a lever and a place to stand and I will move the Earth!''|20px|20px|]<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.buzzle.com/editorials/7-30-2004-57259.asp|publisher=Buzzle.com|title=Could Archimedes have lifted the earth?|date=2 January 2008}}</ref>}}


].]]
] ] from the island are well known, the art of ceramics on Sicily goes back to the original ancient peoples named the ]ans, it was then perfected during the period of Greek colonisation and is still prominent and distinct to this day.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bestofsicily.com/ceramic.htm|publisher=BestOfSicily.com|title=Sicilian Ceramic Art|date=2 January 2008}}</ref> There are two prominent ] traditions on Sicily, both draw heavily from ] influence; ] is the painting of wooden carts with intricate decorations of scenes from the Norman romantic poems, such as '']''.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.civilization.ca/cultur/presenza/pszaz63e.html|publisher=Civilization.ca|title=Travelling in Style|date=2 January 2008}}</ref> The same tales are told in traditional ] ] or ''teatro dei pupi'', which feature hand-made ] ], depicting Normans and Saracens, who engage in mock battles. this is especially popular in ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.teatropupimacri.it/index_en.htm|publisher=Puppi Siciliani|title=History of our Sicilian puppets|date=2 January 2008}}</ref> Famous Sicilian painters include ] artist ], ] and Greek born ] who is commonly dubbed the "father of ]" and founder of the ] movement.<ref>{{cite book | last = Thrall Soby | first = James | title =The Early Chirico | publisher =Ayer Co Pub | url =http://books.google.com/books?id=GtnYEBkmkIcC&pg=PA93&lpg=PA93&dq=%22father+of+surrealist+art%22&source=web&ots=4F8VZQun88&sig=HaBU3gtJ09nU2PS0Cy9C_mTZeY4#PPA92,M1 | isbn = 978-0405007361}}</ref> ] ] from the island are well known, the art of ceramics on Sicily goes back to the original ancient peoples named the ]ans, it was then perfected during the period of Greek colonisation and is still prominent and distinct to this day.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bestofsicily.com/ceramic.htm|publisher=BestOfSicily.com|title=Sicilian Ceramic Art|date=2 January 2008}}</ref> There are two prominent ] traditions on Sicily, both draw heavily from ] influence; ] is the painting of wooden carts with intricate decorations of scenes from the Norman romantic poems, such as '']''.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.civilization.ca/cultur/presenza/pszaz63e.html|publisher=Civilization.ca|title=Travelling in Style|date=2 January 2008}}</ref> The same tales are told in traditional ] ] or ''teatro dei pupi'', which feature hand-made ] ], depicting Normans and Saracens, who engage in mock battles. this is especially popular in ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.teatropupimacri.it/index_en.htm|publisher=Puppi Siciliani|title=History of our Sicilian puppets|date=2 January 2008}}</ref> Famous Sicilian painters include ] artist ], ] and Greek born ] who is commonly dubbed the "father of ]" and founder of the ] movement.<ref>{{cite book | last = Thrall Soby | first = James | title =The Early Chirico | publisher =Ayer Co Pub | url =http://books.google.com/books?id=GtnYEBkmkIcC&pg=PA93&lpg=PA93&dq=%22father+of+surrealist+art%22&source=web&ots=4F8VZQun88&sig=HaBU3gtJ09nU2PS0Cy9C_mTZeY4#PPA92,M1 | isbn = 978-0405007361}}</ref>


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===Language=== ===Language===
{{main|Sicilian language}} {{main|Sicilian language}}
Many Sicilians are bilingual in ] and ], an entirely separate ] which has a sizeable vocabulary with at least 250,000 words. Some of the words are ]s with slight changes, taking influence from ], ], ], ] and others.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.leoluca-criscione.net/HTM-DOCUMENTI/DIALetto-english%20version.htm|publisher=LeoLuca-Criscione.net|title=The Sicilian Language|date=7 October 2007}}</ref> The Sicilian language is also spoken to some extent in ] and ]; it had a significant influence on the ]. In the modern age as Italian is taught in schools and is the language of the media, especially in some of the ]s Sicilian is now a secondary language amongst much of the youth. Many Sicilians are bilingual in ] and ], an entirely separate ] which is not derived from Italian and has a sizeable vocabulary with at least 250,000 words. Some of the words are ]s with slight changes, taking influence from ], ], ], ], ] and others.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.leoluca-criscione.net/HTM-DOCUMENTI/DIALetto-english%20version.htm|publisher=LeoLuca-Criscione.net|title=The Sicilian Language|date=7 October 2007}}</ref> The Sicilian language is also spoken to some extent in ] and ]; it had a significant influence on the ]. In the modern age as Italian is taught in schools and is the language of the media, especially in some of the ]s Sicilian is now a secondary language amongst much of the youth.
] ]
The Sicilian language was an early influence in the development of the first Italian standard, although its use remained confined to an intellectual élite. This was a literary language in Sicily created under the auspices of ] and his court of notaries, or ''Magna Curia'', which, headed by ] also gave birth to the ], widely inspired by troubadour literature. Its linguistic and poetic heritage was later assimilated into the Florentine by ], the father of modern Italian who, in his {{lang|it|]}} claims that "In effect this vernacular seems to deserve a higher praise than the others, since all the poetry written by Italians can be called Sicilian".<ref>{{cite book The Sicilian language was an early influence in the development of the first Italian standard, although its use remained confined to an intellectual élite. This was a literary language in Sicily created under the auspices of ] and his court of notaries, or ''Magna Curia'', which, headed by ] also gave birth to the ], widely inspired by troubadour literature. Its linguistic and poetic heritage was later assimilated into the Florentine by ], the father of modern Italian who, in his {{lang|it|]}} claims that "In effect this vernacular seems to deserve a higher praise than the others, since all the poetry written by Italians can be called Sicilian".<ref>{{cite book
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===Sports=== ===Sports===
].]] ].]]
The best known and most popular sport on the island of Sicily is ], which was introduced in the late 1800s under the influence of the ]. Some of the oldest football clubs in all of Italy are Sicilian: the three most successful are ], ] and ], who have all, at some point, played in the prestigious ]. To date, no Sicilian side has ever won Serie A, however football is deeply embeded in local culture, all over Sicily each town has its own representative team.<ref name = "derbysicil"/> The best known and most popular sport on the island of Sicily is ], which was introduced in the late 1800s under the influence of the ]. Some of the oldest football clubs in all of Italy are Sicilian: the three most successful are ], ] and ], who have all, at some point, played in the prestigious ]. To date, no Sicilian side has ever won Serie A, however football is deeply embeded in local culture, all over Sicily each town has its own representative team.<ref name = "derbysicil"/> Palermo and Catania have a heated rivalry and compete in the ] together: to date Palermo is the only Sicilian team to have played on the European stage, in the ]. The most noted Sicilian footballer is ] who won the ] at the ] with ].<ref name = "derbysicil"/> Other noted Sicilian players include ], ], ], ] and Roberto Galia.<ref name="derbysicil">{{cite news|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.jhtml?xml=/sport/2004/11/11/sfneur11.xml|publisher=Telegraph.co.uk|title= Sicilian derby takes centre stage |date=7 October 2007}}</ref> There have also been some noted managers from the island, such as ] and ].


Although football is by far the most popular sport in Sicily, the island also has participants in other fields. ] compete in the top Italian national ] league called ], they have even participated at European level in the ]. Competing in the ] variation of ] is ] from ] in the ], the sport has a reasonable following. Various other sports which are played to some extent includes ], ] and ]. Previously, in ] Sicily held the prominent ] sports car race, that took place in the Madonie Mountains, with the start-finish line in ].<ref name = "targa"/> The event was started in 1906 by Sicilian industrialist and automobile enthusiast ], and ran until it was cancelled due to safety concerns in 1977.<ref name="targa">{{cite news|url=http://www.porsche.com/all/targaflorio/international.aspx|publisher=Porsche.com|title=Targa Florio 1906-1977 |date=7 October 2007}}</ref> ] such as ] (known as ''caccia'') are also of interest to some rural dwelling Sicilians, however the subject is controversial due to governmental pressure to conserve the ], particularly rare birds. Thus the legality of hunting bounces between being allowed and as it is currently; suspended.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.agrigentonotizie.it/notizie/leggi/28790/la-caccia-in-sicilia-e-sospesa-lo-ha-deciso-il-tar.html|publisher=AgrigentoNotizie.it|title=La caccia in Sicilia è sospesa, lo ha deciso il Tar |date=10 September 2008}}</ref>
Palermo and Catania have a heated rivalry and compete in the ] together: to date Palermo is the only Sicilian team to have played on the European stage, in the ]. The most noted Sicilian footballer is ] who won the ] at the ] with ].<ref name = "derbysicil"/> Other noted Sicilian players include ], ], ], ] and Roberto Galia.<ref name="derbysicil">{{cite news|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.jhtml?xml=/sport/2004/11/11/sfneur11.xml|publisher=Telegraph.co.uk|title= Sicilian derby takes centre stage |date=7 October 2007}}</ref> There have also been some noted managers from the island, such as ] and ].


Although football is by far the most popular sport in Sicily, the island also has participants in other fields. ] compete in the top Italian national ] league called ], they have even participated at European level in the ]. Competing in the ] variation of ] is ] from ] in the ], the sport has a reasonable following. Various other sports which are played to some extent includes ], ] and ]. Previously, in ] Sicily held the prominent ] sports car race, that took place in the Madonie Mountains, with the start-finish line in ].<ref name = "targa"/> The event was started in 1906 by Sicilian industrialist and automobile enthusiast ], and ran until it was cancelled due to safety concerns in 1977.<ref name="targa">{{cite news|url=http://www.porsche.com/all/targaflorio/international.aspx|publisher=Porsche.com|title=Targa Florio 1906-1977 |date=7 October 2007}}</ref>
== Sicilian lifestyle and folklore == == Sicilian lifestyle and folklore ==

] ]
The family is at the heart of Sicilian culture as it has always been for generations. Family members often live close together, sometimes in the same housing complex, and sons and daughters usually remain at home with their parents until they marry, which tends to occur later than in previous decades. Couples today have fewer children than before, yet babies and children are much revered in Sicilian culture and almost always accompany their parents to social events.<ref>Best of Sicily Magazine</ref> The family is at the heart of Sicilian culture as it has always been for generations. Family members often live close together, sometimes in the same housing complex, and sons and daughters usually remain at home with their parents until they marry, which tends to occur later than in previous decades. Couples today have fewer children than before, yet babies and children are much revered in Sicilian culture and almost always accompany their parents to social events.<ref>Best of Sicily Magazine</ref>


Sicilian weddings are lavish, expensive, and traditional. They are normally held in church. The ] church is an important feature in Sicilian life. Almost all public places are adorned with crucifixes upon their walls, and most Sicilian homes contain pictures of saints, statues, and other relics. Each town and city has it's own patron saint, and the ] days are marked by gaudy processions through the streets, with marching bands, and displays of fireworks. Sicilian weddings are lavish, expensive, and traditional. They are normally held in church. In Sicily today, many women are employed outside the home, and are to be found in nearly every occupational sphere. However, a Sicilian woman's primary role remains that of a ''casalinga'' or housewife, occupied with child-rearing, cooking, and other domestic chores. This is especially true in the smaller villages and towns.<ref>Best of Sicily Magazine</ref>

In Sicily today, many women are employed outside the home, and are to be found in nearly every occupational sphere. However, a Sicilian woman's primary role remains that of a ''casalinga'' or housewife, occupied with child-rearing, cooking, and other domestic chores. This is especially true in the smaller villages and towns.<ref>Best of Sicily Magazine</ref>


Other aspects of Sicilian culture include the ''presepe vivente'', or animated ], which takes place at Christmas time. Deftly combining religion and folklore, it is a constructed mock 19th century Sicilian village, complete with a nativity scene, and has people of all ages dressed in the costumes of the period, some impersonating the Holy Family, and others working as artisans of their particular assigned trade. It is normally concluded on ], often highlighted by the arrival of the ] on horseback. These attract many visitors, and some have been nationally televised by ], including the animated crib at Santa Maria La Stella, a small community, in the ] of ], in the province of ].<ref>Una Mattina programme RAI UNO, televisised 30 December 2005</ref> Other aspects of Sicilian culture include the ''presepe vivente'', or animated ], which takes place at Christmas time. Deftly combining religion and folklore, it is a constructed mock 19th century Sicilian village, complete with a nativity scene, and has people of all ages dressed in the costumes of the period, some impersonating the Holy Family, and others working as artisans of their particular assigned trade. It is normally concluded on ], often highlighted by the arrival of the ] on horseback. These attract many visitors, and some have been nationally televised by ], including the animated crib at Santa Maria La Stella, a small community, in the ] of ], in the province of ].<ref>Una Mattina programme RAI UNO, televisised 30 December 2005</ref>
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Sicilians also enjoy outdoor festivals, held in the local square or ''piazza'' where live music and dancing is performed on stage, and food fairs or ''sagras'' are set up in booths lining the square. These offer various local specialties as well as typical Sicilian food. Normally these events are concluded with fireworks. Sicilians also enjoy outdoor festivals, held in the local square or ''piazza'' where live music and dancing is performed on stage, and food fairs or ''sagras'' are set up in booths lining the square. These offer various local specialties as well as typical Sicilian food. Normally these events are concluded with fireworks.


]
Like their Italian counterparts, young Sicilian females are very concerned with their physical appearance, and often spend large sums of money on clothing, shoes, jewelry, hair, and beauty products. The current (as of 2008) ''Miss Italy'' winner is a Sicilian girl Miriam Leone from ]. Like their Italian counterparts, young Sicilian females are very concerned with their physical appearance, and often spend large sums of money on clothing, shoes, jewelry, hair, and beauty products. The current (as of 2008) ''Miss Italy'' winner is a Sicilian girl Miriam Leone from ].


Religious events:

* festivity of Santa Rosalia in ]
* Sant'Agata in ]
* Madonna della lettera, a procession from Vara to ]
* Santa Lucia in Siracusa
* San Giorgio in ]
* San Giacomo in ]
* processions of ] in ] and ]
* San Sebastiano in ]
* San Pancrazio in ], a procession by water to Cape ]
Laical events: Laical events:


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==World Heritage Sites== ==World Heritage Sites==
], ], ], ], and particularly ] contain some of Italy's best examples of ] architecture, carved in the local red ]. ], ], ], and particularly ] contain some of Italy's best examples of ] architecture, carved in the local red ].
Also, some of the most notable and best preserved temples and other structures of the Greek World are located in Sicily.{{Fact|date=November 2008}} Also, some of the most notable and best preserved temples and other structures of the Greek World are located in Sicily.{{Fact|date=November 2008}}


==References== ==References==
{{Reflist|2}} {{Reflist|3}}


== Further reading == == Further reading ==

Revision as of 14:18, 10 December 2008

37°38′33″N 14°11′34″E / 37.64250°N 14.19278°E / 37.64250; 14.19278 Template:Infobox Region of Italy Sicily (Italian and Sicilian: Sicilia) is an autonomous region of Italy. Of all the regions of Italy, Sicily covers the largest land area at 25,708 km² and currently has just over five million inhabitants. It is also the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. In addition, several much smaller islands surrounding it are also considered to be part of Sicily. Along with Sardinia, the island is officially classified as a region of Insular Italy.

Throughout much of its history, Sicily has been considered a crucial strategic location due in large part to its importance for Mediterranean trade routes. The area was highly regarded as part of Magna Graecia, with Cicero describing Siracusa as the greatest and most beautiful city of all Ancient Greece.

Although today Sicily is a region of Italy, the island was once a city-state in its own right, and as the Kingdom of Sicily ruled from Palermo over southern Italy, Sicily, and Malta. It later became a part of the Two Sicilies under the Bourbons, a kingdom governed from Naples that comprised both the island itself and most of Southern Italy. The Italian unification of 1860 led to the dissolution of this kingdom, and Sicily became a fully fledged part of the Kingdom of Italy.

Sicily is considered to be highly rich in its own unique culture, especially with regard to the arts, cuisine, architecture and language. The Sicilian economy is largely based on agriculture (mainly orange and lemon orchards); this same rural countryside has attracted significant tourism in the modern age as its natural beauty is highly regarded. Sicily also holds importance for archeological and ancient sites such as the Necropolis of Pantalica and the Valley of the Temples.

History

Main article: History of Sicily

Ancient tribes

The original inhabitants of Sicily were three defined groups of the Ancient peoples of Italy. The most prominent and by far the earliest of which was the Sicani, who according to Thucydides arrived from the Iberian Peninsula (perhaps Catalonia). Important historical evidence has been discovered in the form of cave drawings by the Sicani, dated from the end of the Pleistocene Epoch, around 8000 BC. The Elymians, thought to be from the Aegean Sea, were the next tribe to migrate to join the Sicanians on Sicily. Although there is no evidence of any wars between the tribes, when the Elymians settled in the north-west corner of the island, the Sicanians moved across eastwards. From mainland Italy, thought to originally have been Ligures from Liguria came the Sicels in 1200 BC; forcing the Sicanians to move back across Sicily settling in the middle of the island.

Greek and Roman period

Main articles: Magna Graecia, Ancient Rome, and Sicilia (Roman province)
Magna Graecian temple at Selinunte.

About 750 BC, the Greeks began to colonise Sicily, establishing many important settlements. The most important colony was Syracuse; also significant were Akragas, Gela, Himera, Selinunte, and Zancle. The native Sicani and Sicel peoples were absorbed by the Hellenic culture with relative ease, and the area was part of Magna Graecia along with the southern Italian Peninsula, which the Greeks had also colonised. Sicily was very fertile, and the introduction of olives and grape vines flourished, creating a great deal of profitable trading; a significant part of Greek culture on the island was that of Greek religion and many temples were built across Sicily, such as the Valley of the Temples at Agrigento. Politics on the island was intertwined with that of Greece; Syracuse became desired by the Athenians, who during Peloponnesian War set out on the Sicilian Expedition. Syracuse gained Sparta and Corinth as allies, as a result the Athenian army and ships were destroyed, with most of the survivors being sold into slavery. Syracuse was ruled by a sovereign whos position was known as tyrant. Before 357 BC philosopher Plato visited the island at Dion's request, attempting to mould his nephew Dionysius II into the archetypal philosopher-king with little success, the Seventh Letter remains as documentation of this.

Roman amphitheatre at Syracuse.

While Syracuse controlled much of Sicily, there were a few Carthaginian colonies in the far west of the island. When the two cultures began to clash, the Sicilian Wars erupted. Greece began to make peace with the Roman Republic in 262 BC and the Romans sought to annex Sicily as its empire's first province. Rome intervened in the First Punic War, crushing Carthage so that by 242 BC Sicily had become the first Roman province outside of the Italian Peninsula. The Second Punic War, in which Archimedes was killed, saw Carthage trying to take Sicily from the Roman Empire. They failed and this time Rome was even more unrelenting in the annihilation of the invaders; during 210 BC the Roman consul M. Valerian, told the Roman Senate that "no Carthaginian remains in Sicily".

Sicily served a level of high importance for the Romans as it acted as the empire's granary, it was divided into two quaestorships in the form of Syracuse to the east and Lilybaeum to the west. Although under Augustus some attempt was made to introduce the Latin language to the island, Sicily was allowed to remain largely Greek in a cultural sense, rather than a complete cultural Romanisation. When Verres became governor of Sicily, the once prosperous and contented people were put into sharp decline, in 70 BC noted figure Cicero condemned the misgovernment of Verres in his oration In Verrem. The island was used as a base of power numerous times, being occupied by slave revolters during the first and second Servile Wars, and by Sextus Pompey during the Sicilian revolt. Christianity first appeared in Sicily during the years following AD 200, between this time and AD 313 when Constantine the Great finally lifted the prohibition, a significant number of Sicilians became martyrs such as Agatha, Christina, Lucy, Euplius and many more. Christianity grew rapidly in Sicily during the next two centuries, the period of history where Sicily was a Roman province lasted for around 700 years in total.

Early Middle Ages

Main articles: Byzantine Empire and Emirate of Sicily
Depiction of the Gothic War.

As the Roman Empire was falling apart, a Germanic tribe known as the Vandals took Sicily in AD 440 under the rule of their king Geiseric. The Vandals had already invaded parts of Roman France and Spain, inserting themselves as an important power in western Europe. However, they soon lost these newly acquired possessions to another East Germanic tribe in the form of the Goths. The Ostrogothic conquest of Sicily (and Italy as a whole) under Theodoric the Great began in 488; although the Goths were Germanic, Theodoric sought to revive Roman culture and government and allowed freedom of religion. The Gothic War took place between the Ostrogoths and the Eastern Roman Empire, also known as the Byzantine Empire. Sicily was the first part of Italy to be taken under general Belisarius who was commissioned by Eastern Emperor Justinian I. Sicily was used as a base for the Byzantines to conquer the rest of Italy, with Naples, Rome, Milan and the Ostrogoth capital Ravenna falling within five years. However, a new Ostrogoth king Totila, drove down the Italian peninsula, plundering and conquering Sicily in 550. Totila, in turn, was defeated and killed in the Battle of Taginae by the Byzantine general Narses in 552.

Byzantine Emperor Constans II decided to move from the capital Constantinople to Syracuse in Sicily during 660, the following year he launched an assault from Sicily against the Lombard Duchy of Benevento, which then occupied most of Southern Italy. The rumours that the capital of the empire was to be moved to Syracuse, along with public unrest at pirate raids, probably cost Constans his life as he was assassinated in 668. His son Constantine IV succeeded him, a brief usurpation in Sicily by Mezezius being quickly suppressed by the new emperor. Contemporary accounts report that the Greek language was widely spoken on the island during this period.

San Giovanni degli Eremiti, red domes showing elements of Arab architecture.

By 826, Euphemius the commander of the Byzantine fleet of Sicily forced a nun to marry him. Emperor Michael II caught wind of the matter and ordered that general Constantine end the marriage and cut off Euphemius' nose. Euphemius rose up, killed Constantine and then occupied Syracuse; he in turn was defeated and driven out to North Africa. He offered rule of Sicily over to Ziyadat Allah the Aghlabid Emir of Tunisia in return for a place as a general and safety; a Muslim army of Arabs, Berbers, Spaniards (then under Muslim rule), Cretans and Persians was sent. The conquest was a see-saw affair met with much resistance. It took over a century for Byzantine Sicily to be conquered. Syracuse held for a long time, Taormina fell in 902, and all of Sicily was eventually conquered by Arabs in 965.

Throughout this reign, revolts by Byzantine Sicilians continuously occurred, especially in the east, and parts of the island were re-occupied before being quashed. With the Arabs initiated land reforms also came new agricultural items such as oranges, lemons, pistachio and sugar cane which were brought to Sicily. As dhimmis, the native Christians were allowed freedom of religion, but had to pay an extra tax to their rulers. However, the Emirate of Sicily began to fragment as intra-dynastic quarreling fractured the Muslim regime. During this time there was also a minority Jewish presence. By the 11th century, mainland southern Italian powers were hiring ferocious Norman merecenaries, who were Christian descendants of the Vikings; it was the Normans under Roger I who conquered Sicily from the Arabs. After taking Apulia and Calabria, he occupied Messina with an army of 700 knights. In 1068, Roger Guiscard and his men defeated the Arabs at Misilmeri, but the most crucial battle was the siege of Palermo, which led to Sicily coming completely under Norman control by 1091.

Kingdom of Sicily

Main articles: Kingdom of Sicily and List of monarchs of Sicily
File:BasilicaDiMonreale.jpg
The Cathedral of Monreale.

Palermo continued on as the capital under the Normans. Roger's son, Roger II of Sicily, was ultimately able to raise the status of the island to a kingdom in 1130, along with his other holdings which included the Duchy of Apulia and Calabria and the Maltese Islands. During this period the Kingdom of Sicily was prosperous and politically powerful, becoming one of the wealthiest states in all of Europe; even wealthier than England. Significantly, immigrants from Northern Italy and Campania arrived during this period. Linguistically, the island became Latinised. In terms of church, it would become completely Roman Catholic; previously, under the Byzantines, it had been more Eastern Christian.

Depiction of the Sicilian Vespers.

After a century the Norman Hauteville dynasty died out, the last direct descendent and heir of Roger; Constance married Emperor Henry VI. This eventually led to the crown of Sicily been passed on to the Hohenstaufen Dynasty who were Germans from Swabia. Conflict between the Hohenstaufen house and the Papacy, led in 1266 to Pope Innocent IV crowning Angevin Dynasty duke Charles I as the king of both Sicily and Naples. Strong opposition of the French officialdom due to mistreatment and taxation saw the local peoples of Sicily rise up, leading in 1282 to an insurrection known as the War of the Sicilian Vespers, which eventually saw almost the entire French population on the island killed. During the war the Sicilians turned to Peter III, son-in-law of the last Hohenstaufen king, of the Kingdom of Aragon for support after being rejected by the Pope. Peter gained control of Sicily from the French though the French retained control of the Kingdom of Naples. The wars continued until the peace of Caltabellotta in 1302, which saw Peter's son Frederick III recognised as king of the Isle of Sicily, while Charles II was recognised as the king of Naples by Pope Boniface VIII. Sicily was ruled as an independent kingdom by relatives of the kings of Aragon until 1409 and then as part of the Crown of Aragon.

Sicilian Baroque in Catania.

The Spanish Inquisition in 1492 saw Ferdinand I decreeing the expulsion of every single Jew from Sicily. The island was hit by two very serious earthquakes in the east in both 1542 and 1693, just a few years before the latter earthquake the island was struck by a ferocious plague. There were revolts during the 17th century, but these were quelled with significant force especially the revolts of Palermo and Messina. The Treaty of Utrecht in 1713 saw Sicily assigned to the House of Savoy, however this period of rule lasted only seven years as it was exchanged for the island of Sardinia with Emperor Charles VI of the Austrian Habsburg Dynasty.

While the Austrians were concerned with the War of the Polish Succession, a Bourbon prince, Charles from Spain was able to conquer Sicily and Naples. At first Sicily was able to remain as an independent kingdom under personal union, while the Bourbons ruled over both from Naples. However the advent of Napoleon's First French Empire saw Naples taken at the Battle of Campo Tenese and Bonapartist Kings of Naples were instated. Ferdinand III the Bourbon was forced to retreat to Sicily which he was still in complete control of with the help of British naval protection. Following this Sicily joined the Napoleonic Wars, after the wars were won Sicily and Naples formally merged as the Two Sicilies under the Bourbons. Major revolutionary movements occurred in 1820 and 1848 against the Bourbon government with Sicily seeking independence; the second of which, the 1848 revolution was successful and resulted in a sixteen month period of independence for Sicily, until the armed forces of the Bourbons regained control by May 1849.

Italian unification

After the Expedition of the Thousand led by Giuseppe Garibaldi, Sicily became part of the Kingdom of Italy in 1860 as part of the ]] Error: {{Lang}}: text has italic markup (help). The conquest started at Marsala and was finally completed with the Siege of Gaeta where the final Bourbons were expelled and Garibaldi announced his dictatorship in the name of Victor Emmanuel II of Sardinia. An anti-Savoy revolt pushing for Sicilian independence erupted in 1866 at Palermo: this was quelled brutally by the Italians within just a week. The Sicilian (and the wider mezzogiorno) economy collapsed, leading to an unprecedented wave of emigration. Organisations of workers and peasants known as the Fasci Siciliani, who were leftist and separatist groups rose and caused the Italian government to impose martial law again in 1894.

The Mafia, a loose confederation of organised crime networks, grew in influence in the late 19th century; the Fascist regime began suppressing them in the 1920s with some success. There was an allied invasion of Sicily during World War II starting on July 10, 1943. The invasion of Sicily was one of the causes of the July 25 crisis; in general the Allied victors were warmly embraced by the Sicilian population. Italy became a Republic in 1946 and as part of the Constitution of Italy, Sicily was one of the five regions given special status as an autonomous region. Both the partial Italian land reform and special funding from the Italian government's Cassa per il Mezzogiorno (Fund for the South) from 1950 to 1984, helped the Sicilian economy improve.

Politics

Main article: Politics of Sicily

Geography

Provinces of Sicily.

Sicily is directly adjacent to the Italian region of Calabria, via the Strait of Messina to the east. The early Roman name for Sicily was Trinacria, alluding to its triangular shape. Sicily has been noted for two millennia as a grain-producing territory. Citrons, oranges, lemons, olives, olive oil, almonds, and wine are among its other agricultural products. The mines of the Enna and Caltanissetta district became a leading sulfur-producing area in the 19th century but have declined since the 1950s.

Administratively Sicily is divided into nine provinces; Agrigento, Caltanissetta, Catania, Enna, Messina, Palermo, Ragusa, Syracuse and Trapani. Also part of various Sicilian provinces are small surrounding islands: Aeolian Islands of Messina, isle of Ustica (Palermo), Aegadian Islands (Trapani), isle of Pantelleria (Trapani) and Pelagian Islands (Agrigento).

The island of Sicily is drained by several rivers, most of which flow through the central area and enter the sea at the south of the island. The Salso River flows through parts of Enna and Caltanissetta before entering the Mediterranean Sea at the port of Licata. To the east the Alcantara in the province of Messina, it exits at Giardini Naxos. The other two main rivers on the island are to the south-west with Belice and Platani.

File:Topography of Sicily.png
Topography of Sicily.

Sicily and its small surrounding islands are highly significant in the area of volcanology. Mount Etna, located in the east, is the only volcano on mainland Sicily; with a height of 3,320 m (10,900 ft) it is the tallest active volcano in Europe and one of the most active in the world. As well as Etna, there are several non-volcanic mountain ranges in Sicily: Sicani to the west, Eeri in the central area and Iblei in the south-east. Across the north of Sicily there are three others: Madonie, Nebrodi and Peloritani.

The Aeolian Islands to the north-east are volcanically significant with Stromboli currently active, also in the Tyrrhenian Sea are the three dormant volcanos of Vulcano, Vulcanello and Lipari. Off the Southern coast of Sicily, the underwater volcano of Ferdinandea, which is part of the larger Empedocles last erupted in 1831. It is located between the coast of Agrigento and the island of Pantelleria (which itself is a dormant volcano), on the Phlegraean Fields of the Strait of Sicily.

Climate

Sicily's position means that it enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild to warm, wet winters and warm to hot, dry summers.

Climate data for Sicily
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Source: The Sicily Site

Transport

The A29, passing through the countryside near Segesta.

The most prominent Sicilian roads are the motorways (known as Error: {{Lang}}: text has italic markup (help)) running through the northern section of the island, this includes the A19 Palermo-Catania, the A20 Palermo-Messina, the A29 Palermo-Trapani-Mazara del Vallo and the toll road A18 Messina-Catania. Much of the motorway network is elevated by columns due to the mountainous terrain of the island. The Sicilian public is served by a network of railway services, linking to most major cities and towns; this service is operated by Trenitalia. There are services to Naples and Rome; this is achieved by the trains being loaded onto ferries which cross to the mainland.

Plans for a bridge linking Sicily to the mainland have been around since 1865. In the modern age, there are plans to link the railway to the mainland via the world's longest suspension bridge, the Strait of Messina Bridge, however planning for the project has been started, stopped and re-started during the 2000s; as of 2008 it is currently on course for planning. Some have criticised the plans particularly environmentalist Sicilians, leftists who argue the money should be spent elsewhere and the local ferry operators. In two of the main cities there are underground railway services; these feature in the cities of Palermo and Catania.

Mainland Sicily has three airports which serve numerous European destinations; to the east is the Catania-Fontanarossa Airport which is the busiest on the island (and one of the busiest in all of Italy). Palermo hosts the Palermo International Airport, which is also substantially large, the third airport actually on the island is the Trapani-Birgi Airport which is smaller. There are also two small airports on smaller islands which are considered part of Sicily; Lampedusa Airport and Pantelleria Airport. By sea, Sicily is served by several ferry routes most of which are to Sicily's small surrounding islands and mainland Italy (as well as Sardinia), there is also a daily service between Malta and Pozzallo.

Demographics

Population

Main article: List of Sicilians
An elderly Sicilian farmer wearing the stereotypical coppola.
Sicilian supermodel Eva Riccobono.

The people of Sicily are often portrayed as very proud of their island, identity and culture and it is not uncommon for people to describe themselves as the regional focusing Sicilian, before the more national description of Italian. Despite the existence of major cities such as Palermo, Catania, Messina and Syracuse, popular stereotypes of Sicilians commonly allude to ruralism, for example the coppola is one of the main symbols of Sicilian identity; it is derived from the flat cap of rural Northern England which arrived in 1800 when Bourbon king Ferdinand I had fled to Sicily and was protected by the British Royal Navy.

Throughtout history Sicily has had rulers from a variety of different cultures, each of whom has contributed island's culture, particularly in the areas of cuisine and architecture. In terms of identity Sicilians generally associate themselves most closely with other southern Italians, whom they share a common history. After this there is somewhat of an affinity with Greeks due to the shared Magna Græcia, Greco-Roman and Byzantine history, exemplified by the saying "una faccia, una razza", meaning "one face, one race". Modern methods of genetic testing show that aside from other Italians, Greeks are indeed the closest genetically to Sicilians, sharing about 37% of chromosomes in their gene pool. While in comparison other former rulers gene flows are very limited, for example Middle Easterners under 4% and Berbers 2%.

The island of Sicily itself has a population of approximately five million, and there are an additional ten million people of Sicilian descent around the world, mostly in North America, Argentina, Australia and other European countries. Like the rest of Southern Italy, immigration to the island is very low compared to other regions of Italy because workers tend to head to Northern Italy instead, due to better employment and industrial opportunities. The most recent ISTAT figures show around 74 thousand immigrants out of the total five million population; Tunisians with 14 thousand make up the most immigrants, followed by Moroccans, Sri Lankans, Albanians and other Eastern Europeans.

Cities and metropolitan areas

In Sicily there are fifteen cities and towns which have a population level above 50,000 people, these are:

 
Pos. Comune Province Inhabitants
1 Palermo Palermo 665,434
2 Catania Catania 300,701
3 Messina Messina 244,573
4 Syracuse Syracuse 123,494
5 Marsala Trapani 82,378
6 Gela Caltanissetta 77,239
7 Ragusa Ragusa 72,419
8 Trapani Trapani 70,635
 
Pos. Comune Province Inhabitants
9 Vittoria Ragusa 61,424
10 Caltanissetta Caltanissetta 60,369
11 Agrigento Agrigento 59,158
12 Bagheria Palermo 55,283
13 Modica Ragusa 54,008
14 Acireale Catania 52,830
15 Mazara del Vallo Trapani 51,412

Religion

Palermo Cathedral functions as the seat of the Archbishop of Palermo.

Roman Catholicism is by far the largest religion in Sicily, although the Catholic Church is no longer officially the state religion of Italy. The Catholic Church is an important feature in Sicilian life. Almost all public places are adorned with crucifixes upon their walls, and most Sicilian homes contain pictures of saints, statues, and other relics. Each town and city has it's own patron saint, and the feast days are marked by lavishly ornamented processions through the streets, with marching bands, and displays of fireworks.

Administration of the Catholic faith on the island is divided into ecclesiastic regions; of the Latin Rite there are six archdiocese and an additional eleven diocese. There are archbishops for Palermo, Monreale, Syracuse, Agrigento, Catania and Messina-Lipari-Santa Lucia del Mela. There is also an eparchy for Piana degli Albanesi; the latter in a sense forms Sicily's biggest religious minority, while they are Catholics in communion with the Bishop of Rome, they belong to a particular church known as the Italo-Greek Catholic Church.

Religious events:

Culture

Cuisine

Main article: Cuisine of Sicily
Cannoli, a highly popular pastry associated with Sicilian cuisine.

The island has a long history of producing a variety of noted cuisines and wines, to the extent that Sicily is sometimes nicknamed God’s Kitchen because of this. The ingredients are typically rich in taste while remaining affordable to the general populace. The savory dishes of Sicily are viewed to be healthy, using fresh vegetables and fruits, such as tomatoes, artichokes, olives (including olive oil), citrus, apricots, aubergines, onions, beans, raisins commonly coupled with sea food, freshly caught from the surrounding coastlines, including tuna, sea bream, sea bass, cuttlefish, swordfish, sardines and others.

Perhaps the best known part of Sicilian cuisine is the rich sweet dishes including ice creams and pastries. Cannoli, a tube-shaped shell of fried pastry dough filled with a sweet filling usually containing ricotta cheese, is in particular strongly associated with Sicily worldwide. Biancomangiare, biscotti ennesi (cookies native to Enna), braccilatte a Sicilian version of doughnuts, buccellato, ciarduna, pignoli, bruccellati, giuggiulena cookies, torrone, frutta martorana, cassata, pignolata, granita and cuccìa are amongst some of the most notable sweet dishes.

Like the cuisine of the rest of southern Italy, pasta plays an important part in Sicilian cuisine, as does rice; for example with arancini. As well as using some other cheeses, Sicily has spawned some of its own, using both cows and sheeps milk, such as pecorino and caciocavallo. Spices used include saffron, nutmeg, clove, pepper, and cinnamon which were introducted by the Arabs. Parsley is used abundantly in many dishes. Although Sicilian cuisine is commonly associated with sea food, meat dishes including beef, pork, goose, lamb, goat, rabbit, and turkey are also found in Sicily. It was the Normans and Hohenstaufen who first introduced a fondness for meat dishes to the island. Some varieties of wine are produced from vines which are relatively unique to the island, such as the Nero d'Avola made near the baroque of town of Noto.

Arts

Antonello da Messina's Palermo Annunciate.

Sicily has long been associated with the arts; many poets, writers, philosophers, intellectuals, architects and painters have roots on the island. The history of prestige in this field can be traced back to Greek philosopher Archimedes, a Syracuse native who has gone on to become renowned as one of the greatest mathematicians of all time. Gorgias and Empedocles are two other highly noted early Sicilian philosophers, while the Syracusan Epicharmus is held to be the inventor of comedy. The golden age of Sicilian poetry began in the early 13th century with the Sicilian School, which was highly influential. Some of the most noted figures in the area of Sicilian poetry and writing are Luigi Pirandello, Salvatore Quasimodo, Antonio Veneziano and Giovanni Verga. On the political side notable Sicilian philosophers include: Giovanni Gentile who wrote The Doctrine of Fascism and Julius Evola.

Give me a lever and a place to stand and I will move the Earth!

— Archimedes
An example of cermanic pottery from Caltagirone.

Terra cotta ceramics from the island are well known, the art of ceramics on Sicily goes back to the original ancient peoples named the Sicanians, it was then perfected during the period of Greek colonisation and is still prominent and distinct to this day. There are two prominent folk art traditions on Sicily, both draw heavily from Norman influence; Sicilian cart is the painting of wooden carts with intricate decorations of scenes from the Norman romantic poems, such as The Song of Roland. The same tales are told in traditional puppet theatres or teatro dei pupi, which feature hand-made wooden marionettes, depicting Normans and Saracens, who engage in mock battles. this is especially popular in Acireale. Famous Sicilian painters include Renaissance artist Antonello da Messina, Renato Guttuso and Greek born Giorgio de Chirico who is commonly dubbed the "father of Surrealist art" and founder of the metaphysical art movement.

Palermo hosts the Teatro Massimo, which is the largest opera house in Italy and the third largest in all of Europe. Sicilian composers vary from Vincenzo Bellini, Sigismondo d'India, Giovanni Pacini and Alessandro Scarlatti, to contemporary composers such as Salvatore Sciarrino. Many award winning and acclaimed films of Italian cinema have been filmed in Sicily, amongst the most noted of which are; Visconti's "La Terra Trema" and "Il Gattopardo", Rosi's "Salvatore Giuliano" and Antonioni's "L'avventura".

Language

Main article: Sicilian language

Many Sicilians are bilingual in Italian and Sicilian, an entirely separate Romance language which is not derived from Italian and has a sizeable vocabulary with at least 250,000 words. Some of the words are loan words with slight changes, taking influence from Greek, Latin, Catalan, Arabic, Spanish and others. The Sicilian language is also spoken to some extent in Calabria and Apulia; it had a significant influence on the Maltese language. In the modern age as Italian is taught in schools and is the language of the media, especially in some of the urban areas Sicilian is now a secondary language amongst much of the youth.

One of the places that hosted Frederick's Magna Curia.

The Sicilian language was an early influence in the development of the first Italian standard, although its use remained confined to an intellectual élite. This was a literary language in Sicily created under the auspices of Frederick II and his court of notaries, or Magna Curia, which, headed by Giacomo da Lentini also gave birth to the Sicilian School, widely inspired by troubadour literature. Its linguistic and poetic heritage was later assimilated into the Florentine by Dante Alighieri, the father of modern Italian who, in his ]] Error: {{Lang}}: text has italic markup (help) claims that "In effect this vernacular seems to deserve a higher praise than the others, since all the poetry written by Italians can be called Sicilian". It is in this language that appeared the first sonnet, whose invention is attributed to Giacomo da Lentini himself.

There are also a couple of less common, unofficial languages spoken on the island. In around five small Palermitan villages, Arbëreshë dialect of the Albanian language has been spoken since a wave of refugees settled there in the 15th century; these people are predominantly Byzantine Catholics and chant Greek at local Byzantine liturgy. There are also several Ennese towns where dialects of the Lombard language of the Gallo-Italic family are spoken. Much of these two groups of people are tri-lingual, being able to also speak Italian and Sicilian.

Sports

Football manager Carmelo Di Bella.

The best known and most popular sport on the island of Sicily is football, which was introduced in the late 1800s under the influence of the English. Some of the oldest football clubs in all of Italy are Sicilian: the three most successful are Palermo, Messina and Catania, who have all, at some point, played in the prestigious Serie A. To date, no Sicilian side has ever won Serie A, however football is deeply embeded in local culture, all over Sicily each town has its own representative team. Palermo and Catania have a heated rivalry and compete in the Sicilian derby together: to date Palermo is the only Sicilian team to have played on the European stage, in the UEFA Cup. The most noted Sicilian footballer is Salvatore Schillaci who won the Golden Boot at the 1990 FIFA World Cup with Italy. Other noted Sicilian players include Giuseppe Furino, Pietro Anastasi, Francesco Coco, Christian Riganò and Roberto Galia. There have also been some noted managers from the island, such as Carmelo Di Bella and Franco Scoglio.

Although football is by far the most popular sport in Sicily, the island also has participants in other fields. Amatori Catania compete in the top Italian national rugby union league called Super 10, they have even participated at European level in the European Challenge Cup. Competing in the basketball variation of Serie A is Orlandina Basket from Capo d'Orlando in the province of Messina, the sport has a reasonable following. Various other sports which are played to some extent includes volleyball, handball and water polo. Previously, in motorsport Sicily held the prominent Targa Florio sports car race, that took place in the Madonie Mountains, with the start-finish line in Cerda. The event was started in 1906 by Sicilian industrialist and automobile enthusiast Vincenzo Florio, and ran until it was cancelled due to safety concerns in 1977. Country sports such as hunting (known as caccia) are also of interest to some rural dwelling Sicilians, however the subject is controversial due to governmental pressure to conserve the fauna, particularly rare birds. Thus the legality of hunting bounces between being allowed and as it is currently; suspended.

Sicilian lifestyle and folklore

Sicilian performer at an animated crib

The family is at the heart of Sicilian culture as it has always been for generations. Family members often live close together, sometimes in the same housing complex, and sons and daughters usually remain at home with their parents until they marry, which tends to occur later than in previous decades. Couples today have fewer children than before, yet babies and children are much revered in Sicilian culture and almost always accompany their parents to social events.

Sicilian weddings are lavish, expensive, and traditional. They are normally held in church. In Sicily today, many women are employed outside the home, and are to be found in nearly every occupational sphere. However, a Sicilian woman's primary role remains that of a casalinga or housewife, occupied with child-rearing, cooking, and other domestic chores. This is especially true in the smaller villages and towns.

Other aspects of Sicilian culture include the presepe vivente, or animated crib, which takes place at Christmas time. Deftly combining religion and folklore, it is a constructed mock 19th century Sicilian village, complete with a nativity scene, and has people of all ages dressed in the costumes of the period, some impersonating the Holy Family, and others working as artisans of their particular assigned trade. It is normally concluded on Ephiphany, often highlighted by the arrival of the magi on horseback. These attract many visitors, and some have been nationally televised by RAI, including the animated crib at Santa Maria La Stella, a small community, in the Comune of Aci Sant'Antonio, in the province of Catania.

Sicilians also enjoy outdoor festivals, held in the local square or piazza where live music and dancing is performed on stage, and food fairs or sagras are set up in booths lining the square. These offer various local specialties as well as typical Sicilian food. Normally these events are concluded with fireworks.

Like their Italian counterparts, young Sicilian females are very concerned with their physical appearance, and often spend large sums of money on clothing, shoes, jewelry, hair, and beauty products. The current (as of 2008) Miss Italy winner is a Sicilian girl Miriam Leone from Acireale.

Laical events:

The most important laic event in Sicily is the carnival. Famous carnival are in Misterbianco, Regalbuto, Paternò, Sciacca, Acireale, Termini Imerese.

World Heritage Sites

Val di Noto, Catania, Ragusa, and particularly Acireale contain some of Italy's best examples of Baroque architecture, carved in the local red sandstone. Also, some of the most notable and best preserved temples and other structures of the Greek World are located in Sicily.

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