Santa Lucia

Santa Lucia is a very heartfelt day here in Verona. If you'd like to learn more, please read here

my post of december 13rd last year!

Last night Santa Lucia came to town on her donkey to bring toys and sweets to the children.

My little Elena (aged 4) and me prepared a tray with some biscuits and a glass of water for the Saint, plus a carrot for the donkey. This morning Elena run to the dining room to see if Santa Lucia had passed and found this:

Sicilian specialties

Yummy! I resisted the temptation to stop and buy some sicilian pastries today. I was in a hurry and there was a large crowd in front of the stall. But I thought I could afford to spend a minute for a couple of shots...

Marzapane, almond pastries, cannoli with ricotta, pistacchio cookies... mmmhhh...

Too bad that this enchanting stall is gone... All the Santa Lucia stalls packed up and moved...the festivity is definitely over...for this year. 

Santa Lucia

Every 13rd December Verona celebrates Santa Lucia. Children receive presents (as well as Christmas...) and the typical stalls sell a variety of handicraft, food, toys, tools... the list goes on and on. 

It's a very old tradition and the veronesi are really fond of this festivity that is observed only in Sicily and in a few other towns here in the north.

The first poem that my daughter, aged 3, was taught at school is dedicated to this beloved Saint!

If you want to learn more about Santa Lucia festivity, my friend Antonella wrote an interesting piece, look here!