Katerina Ferrara’s Ultimate Festival and Travel Guide Sicily is a captivating journey into the vibrant heart of Sicilian culture. From the lively Festa dei Sapori e dei Saperi to the iconic Cannoli Festival in Piana degli Albanesi, Ferrara beautifully brings Sicily’s traditions and celebrations to life.

What makes this guide truly special are its thoughtful dining suggestions, such as Café Costanzo and Dammuso Noto Ristorante, paired with practical advice like staying in an Agriturismo for a taste of authentic Sicilian living. The book also includes tips on the best times and locations to visit, along with a handy glossary for easy navigation of local terms.

Whether you’re planning your first trip to Sicily or looking to uncover its hidden treasures, this guide is a fantastic companion. It’s an absolute must-read for travelers eager to immerse themselves in Sicily’s rich culture and unforgettable experiences!”

Ultimate Festival & Travel Guide Sicily by Katherina Ferrara is much more than a travel book, it is a celebration of Sicilian life. This book stands out because it emphasizes travel to experience festivals, which provide highly unique experiences. The book is very detailed and provides all the information needed to attend many spectacular events. It also lists specific itineraries designed to enjoy multiple festivals on a single trip. The book is expansive, featuring many events that touch on the rich traditions, iconic landmarks, vibrant landscapes, and world-renowned cuisine throughout Sicily.

The guide starts with an introduction to festival travel, explaining the difference between Festa/Feste (traditional Roman Catholic festivals) and Sagra/Sagre (sacred ancient harvest festivals). Not exclusively religious festivals, Feste are spirited and joyful celebrations of history, tradition, and community spirit. Alternatively, Sagre are a thank you to the gods for bountiful harvests, and focus largely on local cuisines. Like other travel guides, this one includes maps but uses the maps not just to show sites, but also events.

These events include Sicilian celebrations throughout Summer, Fall, Winter, and Spring, including the Art of the Infiorata in Noto, the Porcini and Black Pig Festival in Cesaro, Scala dei Turchi, and Holy Week and Easter in Caltanissetta. Also, enjoy the festivals in various regions, including the Festa di Santa Lucia in Syracuse, Taormina Arte Festival, Carnivale in Acireale, Wine Festival of San Marino in Castelbuono, and Festa di Sant’Agata in Catania.

The book further describes Immersion Experiences, including a 4X4 ride up Mount Etna, hiking through the lush Nebrodi Mountains, attending classic Greek theater, or enjoying a Sicilian farm stay to get you in on the local action. This is more than a guide to teach about Sicilian history and tourist sites, it is a guide to discover how Sicilians live today, how they cook, what they value, and how they live life to the fullest. It is not just directions on what to see in Sicily, it is an invitation to participate in its community life and civilization. Recommended for visitors to Sicily who want to experience what it is like to celebrate Sicilian life and culture.