Mon. Mar 1st, 2021

    Calendar of Events in January

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    The Sicily Calendar of Events in January covers New Year celebrations as well as other religious practices in the island. We have also included the feasts and food festivals during this month.

    Sicily Calendar of Events in January

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    Ready for your trip to Sicily in January? It is winter on the island during this time. The weather is quite mild so do not expect snowy cold. Unless of course, if you are hiking our beautiful mountains. Make sure to prepare proper gears. Generally, bring winter clothes but do not overdo it. Just enough to keep yourself warm. Do not let the cold hinder you from exploring. If you are from a colder country, Sicily Winter is nothing at all. We suggest walking historical sites. Get a coffee at the bar every now and then. Bars are Italian coffee shops, and they are everywhere. We have also organised a calendar of events for January. Please feel free to use them as a reference to discovering more beautiful places in Sicily.

    calendar of events january sicily new year

    Capodanno (New Year in Sicily) – January 1st

    Spend the first day of the year in Sicily. Start with a unique New Year’s Eve experience. Either join the crowd in the main piazzas with free concert events or dine in with Italian families. Enjoy remembering this unforgettable memory.

    epiphany sicily calendar of events january

    Epiphany Fairs in various cities – January 6th

    Italians are mostly Christians with 80% in the Roman Catholic faith. Epiphany is a sacred festivity for Catholics. On this occasion, we are reminded of the symbolic baptism of Christ in the Jordan River.

    living nativity calendar of events january sicily

    Living Nativity (Presepe Vivente) until January 7th

    The Presepe Vivente is a Christian tradition re-enacting the living nativity of Jesus as well as the story of his birth. To illustrate the event, people dressed in ancient costumes. It is common in villages or mountain areas where locals come together.

    calendar of events january befana

    Festa della Befana – January 6th

    Music and women dressing as Christmas Witches (La Befana) greet the arrival of the Three Wise Men. Children receive special sweet treats if they are nice and coal for the naughty ones. You can find charcoal candies in many stores here.

    domenica al museo calendar of events january sicily

    Domenica al museo – every first Sunday

    A Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities program. Italy including Sicily implements the Sunday in the Museum project. It allows free entrance for both locals and tourists to museums and sites every first Sunday of the month.

    sagre january sicily calendar of events

    Sagre in Gennaio or Sicilian  January Festivals

    Sagra or Sagre Paesane are celebrations or festival of anything valuable in a village. It ranges from days honouring their patron saints coupled with Sicilian cuisines and fresh produce presentation of fruits, nuts, wine, and more foods.

    red oranges sicily

    Red Orange in Francfonte – January 4th

    Sagra del Tarocco in Francofonte, Syracuse is January 4th to 6th. It is an Agro-food event featuring the colors, flavors and smell of the town’s red tarocco oranges. The town also offers a majestic view of Etna as well as old buildings and churches to visit.

    black pig festival sicily

    Black Pig  Festival in Longi- January 5th

    Sagra del Suino nero in Longi Messina on January 5th. The Nebrodi mountains is known for its black pig food festivals and Longi is one of the villages that celebrate this event with food tasting of black pork cuisines such as porchetta, prosciutto etc.

    porchetta sicily

    Porchetta Festival in Belpasso – January 13th

    Sagra della Porchetta in Belpasso, Catania on January 13th. The Italian roasted pork, porchetta originated from Rome but Sicily added its southern flavours. During the feast of Saint Anthony Abbott, the village hold this festival with exhibitions and tastings.

    saint anthony sicily

    Feast of Sant’Antonio in Santo Stefano Medio – January 17th

    The festival is a two-day celebration for Saint Anthony. The residents gathered for local food, history and traditions. They assembled from the church to the village square in a procession. It is to pay tribute to their patron saint.

    Maiorchino marathon

    Maiorchino Cheese Marathon in Novara – January 27th

    It is a one of a kind tournament in Messina. The cylindrical Maiorchino pecorino cheese wheeled as a competing object. They roll in the narrow streets of the village. Audience can bet which cheese will win.

    foccacetta sicily

    Sagra della Focaccetta in Messina – dates to be updated

    In honour of Saint Sebastian, the small village of Santa Margherita in Messina also prepare a lively food festival. It involves food, music and dancing. They have the traditional Italian pastry called focaccetta and other tasty cuisines.

    sfincia sweets sicily

    Sfincia Festival in Montelepre – January 6th

    Sfincia is a poor man’s dessert and a typical Sicilian delicacy. It is sweet and fried. Sicilian bakers prepared it with a mixture of milk, water and flour. After frying, sugar together with cinnamon is added.

    feasts in sicily

    Important Feast Day for January

    There are Feast Day of other saints in January too. You can experience them in various Sicilian villages. For example, Saint Anthony the Abbot, the patron saint of animals and Saint Sebastian, patron saint of archers.

    • Feast of San Basilio Magno
    • Festa del Gesù Bambino
    • Feast of Saint Anthony the Abbot
    • Festa of San Mauro Abate
    • Feast of San Sebastiano
    • Festa di Maria Santissima della Cava a Marsala 
    • Feste Medievali a Monforte San Giorgio

    We hope that the January Calendar of Events in Sicily will help you during your stay. Feel free to visit the official website of the town where the festival is held. It will give you more detailed information about the event.

    Have a lovely stay in Sicily!