- In the Christian tradition Epiphany (a term derived from the Greek and meaning 'event") evokes the visit of the Three Kings to Baby Jesus. After Christmas e New Year's EveThis brings to a close the long period of festivities beginning in December. The date of 6 January is an event for young and old. Especially on the night between the 5th and 6th, the befana, a mythical figure who brings gifts or coal.
Legend has it that the Maggi Kings, in search of the baby JesusThey stopped near a house to ask for directions to Bethlehem. The woman who opened the door was unable to give any directions, so the Great Kings asked her to join them. The woman refused, but after the three kings had set out, she decided to join them to visit the baby Jesus. Despite searching for hours he could not find them. He then stopped each child to give them a present, in the hope that this would be Baby Jesus. That is why, every year, he continues to bring gifts.
Torrisi's Epiphany sweets
Among the customs of Epiphany in Sicily, there is no lack of the classic stocking to be hung so that the befana can fill it. For the naughtiest children, of course, sweet charcoal is prepared, made of sugar, egg whites and food colouring, while for the best and greediest, get ready to savour all the flavour of the Torrisi's products including the sweet spreads , the Sicilian dried fruit and the pistachio kernels and almonds.
Sicilian Epiphany customs
- A Gratteri, in the province of Palermo, the protagonist is 'a Vecchia. She is said to live in a cave, known as Grattara, located in the mountain opposite the town. Wrapped in a white sheet and on the back of a donkey, she makes her way, amidst the joy of the children and the clamour of the adults, towards the town, dispensing gifts, sweets and 'turtigliuna', typical local sweets made with almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts and dried fruit, along the way.
- A Messinain the Bordonaro district, 'u pagghiaru' is set up, consisting of a pole about nine metres high and covered with branches of strawberry trees, citrus fruits, unleavened bread doughnuts and cotton. It symbolises a Christmas fir tree, on top of which is a two-metre high cross, decorated with fruit, ribbons, doughnuts and bread shapes. It represents the prize for the 14 participants who will climb it on the evening of Epiphany, after the celebration of Holy Mass.
- A Mussomeliin the province of CaltanissettaThe arrival of the Three Wise Men is depicted, followed by the procession of the simulacrum of the Infant Jesus.
- In the villages in the province of Palermo whose population is predominantly of Albanian origin (Contessa Entellina, Mezzojuso and Piana degli Albanesi) the feast of Epiphany is very much felt. Here, the celebrations are divided between the religious ceremony in the Mother Church and the representations in the main squares symbolising the baptism of Jesus.
