The Sicilian Association of Australia

NEWSLETTEREaster 2014 Edition 14

Easter in SicilyModica - la madonna vasa vasa

As Easter approaches, it’s time for those who have been lucky enough to be in Sicily for the Easter festivities, to recall the experiences. One of the most spectacular is to be found in the city of Modica, known as ‘La Madonna Vasa Vasa’. For those of you that have watched the SBS series ‘Sicily Unpacked’, starring Giorgio Locatelli and Andrew Graham-Dixon, it is this festa that is featured during their travels in south East Sicily, and causes Andrew to say that “it’s one of the most moving moments that I’ve ever experienced”.

The celebrations start at 10am on Easter Sunday in front of the Church of St Mary of Bethlehem. The statue of the Risen Christ leaves the church on the shoulders of the faithful, led by the local band, as it travels the streets of the old town. A little later, the statue of La Madonna, draped in a black cloak, a sign of mourning, leaves the church, also carried on the shoulders of the faithful. It takes a different path through the streets, in search of the Risen Christ.

Her statue is unique, in that her arms are able to be mechanically manipulated, to enable them to move, which is particularly important when the two statues meet later.

The search by mother for her son goes on until just before 12 noon. At that time, when the piazza is crowded, the two statues find themselves at opposite ends of the piazza. La Madonna’s black cloak then drops off, to show her wearing a splendid blue cloak. The falling away of the black cloak releases

white doves. The two statues approach each other, the arms of La Madonna rising repeatedly. To the loud noises of fireworks and cheering, La Madonna embraces the Risen Christ and kisses her son, ‘Vasa Vasa’.

Easter Sunday has now reached its climax, and if you are lucky enough, you get to go home and enjoy a feast of traditional foods.

Modica is situated in the South East corner of Sicily, near Ragusa, and is certainly worthy of your consideration for at least a day trip for a number of reasons.

Firstly, it is old! The city actually has a recorded history dating back to at least 1031 BC. Together with other cities in the Val Di Noto, it has featured at various times in historically significant events in Sicilian history. It was captured by the Arabs in 845AD, and it’s conquest by the Normans ended the long lasting war against the Arabs.

The devastating earthquake of 1693 almost destroyed the city, as it ravaged the whole of the Val di Noto. After the earthquake, it was largely rebuilt in the Sicilian Baroque style.

As you approach Modica on ss115, you will drive over the stunning 300m high Guerrieri Bridge, and the city of Modica, Alta and Bassa, appears before you.

Whilst the festa of La Madonna Vasa Vasa unfolds in front of the Church of St.

Mary of Bethlehem, the beautiful Church of San Giorgio is often

referred to as the centrepiece of the city.

Do not forget to have a look at the ‘Castello dei Conti’, located on an outcrop of rock, which provides a magnificent view of Modica.

For those of you that have a soft spot for chocolate, here is a little bit of local knowledge; thanks to the Spanish influence

in Sicily, Modica is the custodian of a 400 hundred year tradition of Sicilian chocolate making. It specialises in making granulous chocolate, often flavoured with chilli pepper, cinnamon or vanilla, which is based on Aztec methods and recipes.

Finally, for the fans of ‘Inspector Montalbano’, the fictional Sicilian detective based in ‘Vigata’, you might just see some familiar landmarks, like the Church of San Giorgio and the facade of the Palazzo Polara, which feature in the television series.

Nunzio La Rosa

images sourced fromhttp://www.skyscrapercity.com

http://benessere.unita.it

SWAGTo start this year’s social

activities, TSAA held a “swag with a twist” at the Sicilian restaurant in Richmond. To compliment the fine food prepared by Giuseppe and his kitchen, each person was invited to bring a bottle of wine, which would be scored by other on the table. Not a bad idea, and obviously one that people enjoyed! Over 40 people attended the swag evening on Tuesday 18th February.

It was pleasing to see the range of wines brought to the tables, and even more entertaining as every one tried to have an educated guess as to the varietal of grapes used, whether one or more was used, and even the year, give or take a decade!!!

As usual, the meal provided to accompany such an assembly of wine was equal to the quality of the vintages.

TriviaWhat do you do on a Friday

night? Well on 28th February, over 30 members and friends of TSAA attended the COASIT Conference Room (Museo Italiano) to see what they knew of our Sicily. Divided into groups, each table attempted to show off their knowledge, or lack thereof!! It was truly fascinating to see how well informed people are when it comes to things relating to Sicily, even those not from the island! Compliments to the organisers of the evening for providing such an interesting array of questions to challenge people. An interesting, informative and entertaining night was had by all.

Guitar RecitalOn 13th March, TSAA (in conjunction

with the Italian Institute of Culture), had the pleasure of hosting “An encounter with Massimo Scattolin”, held in the main room of the Institute. Sig. Scattolin, a world renowned guitarist, captivated an intimate audience of some 50 people with a performance, lasting over an hour, of exquisite classical and flamenco guitar. Among the pieces performed were a

number of compositions

celebrating Sicily and the memories he had of such places as Selinunte, Erice and Taormina.

Following the performance, TSAA provided an opportunity for all to share a glass of wine and a bite to eat with Sig. Scattolin in the beautiful courtyard of the Institute. TSAA was pleased to have provided those who attended with an opportunity to be part of a very special experience.

Reviews by Nunzio La Rosa

Sicilian Vespers Dinnerat Mezzo

TSAA 2014 events to date

TSAA members and friends dining at the February SWAG

Some of the delights served up for the Vespers dinner

TSAA committee with members, family and friends at the Vespers dinner with special guest Massimo Scattolin

TSAA members and friends ponder the next triva question

There were further lectures and documentary screenings including Dallo Zolfo al Carbone by Luca Vullo which exposed the tragic story of Sicilian miners working in Belgium.

A musical performance, Canti popolari: La Sicilia dai Borboni al Regno d’Italia presented by Marcello Saija accompanied by Stefania Castiglia and Francesco Saija at the Ibleo Club.

An impressive exhibition of banners created by the participants of the Eoliano Heritage Study Program (EHSP) and book launch Siamo Eoliani by Cristina Neri at Museo Italiano (Co.As.It)

TSAA was a sponsor of Avventure Siciliane, a five-day celebration of the immigration of Sicilians, and a historical look at the emigration trends of the Eolian Islands.

Professor Marcello Saija presented a lecture “Through

Times of Plundering and Prosperity” a historical look at the movement of peoples to and from the Aeolian Islands.

Luca Vullo (pictured left) presented his

comical documentary, La Voce del Corpo

(The Voice of the Body) (in Italian/Sicilian) followed by a Q&A that was worthy of a Stand Up

routine at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

Proverbi e Modi di Dire Siciliani

In all communities, the way of seeing the world is passed down through the centuries in the unique way it is perceived by its people. Shared experiences are expressed in the light of one’s own cultural setting.

Whereas in English, we may tremble with cold, Sicilians seem to dance, “abballari di friddu”. And when feeling shame or embarrassment, one’s face not only goes red, it hits the ground. Do you remember Nonna lamenting?... “mi faccisti caderi ‘a facci ‘n terra”.

We all agree that appearances can deceive and with time, defects become visible. In Sicily, this sentiment is aptly put “C‘a squagghiata d’a nivi si virinu i pertusa” (as the snow melts the holes show through).

When we get hit on the head, it seems all people see stars. Sicilians see them circling above at midday “vitti i stiddi di menzujornu”. Sometimes it’s better to keep our thoughts to ourselves, because in Sicily, “nta vucca chiusa nun trasinu muschi” (flies don’t enter a closed mouth). We might treat criticism ‘like water off a duck’s back’, but to a Sicilian, “unni mi chiovi, mi sciddica” (where rain falls on me, it slides off).

While we always think that the grass is greener on the other side, Sicilian men reckon the other guy’s wife is better looking “ ‘a mugghiere d’ l’autri é sempre cchiu bedda”.

Thoughts about money are never too far away. Sicilians think that those with full pockets will always buy their way out of trouble “ ‘a liggi é uguale pi tutti, ma cu havi i picciuli si nni futti”. And it’s not just empty pockets that worry Sicilians, rather when they are clean, “n’avimu a teneri puliti, ma s’avimu i sacchetti puliti, n’avimu a scantari” (cleanliness is fine, but it’s scary to have clean pockets). John Barnao

Spot the Sicilian NameWe all know that Sicilian

dialect is like none other as a result of the diverse set of invaders over the millennia. Sicilian names are often derived from traditional Italian names but modified to suit the dialect making them rather puzzling to some.

Here are a set of common Sicilian Christian names. See if you can identify the corresponding Italian and English versions:

1. Cicciu2. Enzu or Ianu 3. Arazia4. Turi5. Pippina6. Stidda7. Mariuzza8. RusiddaAnswers:1. Francesco-Francis2. Vincenzo-Vincent3. Grazia-Grace4. Salvatore-Saviour5. Giuseppina-Joesphine6. Stella (same as in English)7. Maria (same as in English)8. Rosa-Rose

Sebastian Agricola

Joe Malignaggi

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activities please contact the editorial team:

Joe Malignaggi or Ivan Sebastian Agricola at newsletter@tsaa.net.au Nunzio La Rosa at nunzio.larosa@tsaa.net.au

“The Sicilian Association of Australia” “The Sicilian Association of Australia Youth Page”

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PO Box 837 Moonee Ponds Vic 3039

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Upcoming TSAA eventsThursday 8th May

SWAG-Sicilian Wine Appreciation GroupSaturday & Sunday 24th & 25th May

Food and Wine weekend excursion to Bright/MytlefordSaturday 28th June Annual Gala Dinner

All details will be published on the TSAA website

2013-14 TSAA Committee MembersMassimo Petterlin (President)

Magistrate Nunzio La Rosa (Vice president)Frank Vitale (Treasurer)

Emma La Rosa (Secretary)Sebastian Agricola

Ivan Sebastian AgricolaMarco CiminoCarlo Corallo

Frank GamberaJoe Giardina

Joe MalignaggiSam (Salvatore) Rapisarda

Deanna Zammit

Pasqua in Sicilia (included in this edition’s masthead)

Sicily is a coffer containing treasures of the culture of great value and Easter is a perfect moment to come in touch with it. The Rituals of the Passion have a secular tradition, and a popular emotional involvement that is not contaminated by frivolous concessions the passing tourists and we are sure you will find the true spirit who pervade the island.

Sicily’s Easter processions and celebrations are the most famous in Italy. They are the legacy of the 17th century Spanish domination of the island, and still bear a close resemblance to current Easter traditions in Spain.

One of the most famous processions is in Trapani and is called “I Misteri” (the mysteries).

It is a parade of a group of sculpted religious statues from 17th century and 18th century in a procession in the historical centre lasting for more than 16 hours, from Good Friday to Holy Saturday. After this intense and for same aspects fascinating night, on Good Saturday, at about 1 p.m., I Misteri are carried back to the Church of the Purgatory. What makes this religious procession unique is the tension and the passion of each participant.

“I Misteri” procession, in Trapani, represents the most important traditional event of the year for the local community, the oldest and longest one in Italy, attracting many visitors.Article and image sourced from: http://www.oliviaemarino.it

All photography for this Newsletter provided by Emma & Nunzio La Rosa and Joe Malignaggi or as credited in articles.

PLEASE NOTE THAT TSAA HAS A NEW POSTAL ADDRESS

Carlo Muratori from Belvedere di Siracusa has for many years forged a significant career in the Sicilian music scene as a singer-songwiter and in particular he has dedicated himself to the study and research of Sicilian music of oral tradition. He is a collaborator and has recieved many accolades, also a noted artistic director, curating local festivals, significantly 13 editions of LITHOS in the province of Siracusa.

In 1999 he created the project Pesah. An original work for polyphonic choir and chamber orchestra that explores the music of Good Friday and the death of Christ as it is celebrated in Sicily.

“The week before Easter (Holy Week), many streets of Sicilian countries echo with ancient lamentations that tell of the passion and death of Jesus. Lyrics are in dialect and simple, words

that take back divine story of human suffering, dwelling on the Mother’s pain. Pesah (the Hebrew word that is origin of the Italian “Pasqua”) is a representative collection of these songs, performed with orchestra and polyphonic choir.” Carlo Muratori

http://www.carlomuratori.it/album-pesah-carlo-muratori.php

Muratori aims to perform Pesah live every Easter and the original recording is available for download via his recently updated website:

http://www.carlomuratori.it