Experience the authentic sounds, dances, and flavors of Sicily’s rural life on this immersive cultural tour in the enchanting hilltop village of Castelmola, just a stone’s throw from glamorous Taormina.
The songs and ballets of the Sicilian shepherds have their roots in the intimate connection of these people with the wild nature of the mountains, an intimacy that in Greek times found poetic expression in the bucolic idylls of Theocritus of Syracuse. Witty banter, call-and-response verbal duels, promptness and ease of repartee were - and still are - the cornerstones of an agricultural and pastoral tradition that we will bring to life by singing, dancing, and eating with the protagonists of this tour: the artisans and shepherds of the Peloritani Mountains.
The idyllic setting of this experience will be Castelmola, where the ecstatic melodies of the ciaramedda (Sicilian bagpipe), friscalettu (reed flute), and tammureddu (frame drum) have accompanied dances since the dawn of time, resonating on the ritual occasions of agrarian, pastoral and sacred festivals.
After taking in the breathtaking panoramic views of the Ionian Riviera, stretching from the Strait of Messina to Mount Etna, we'll stroll through the quiet alleys of the village. Our walk will lead us to the workshop of a master bagpipe maker, who will show us his craftsmanship. Among wood, goatskins, and various tools, we'll witness the magic of transforming simple natural materials into a complex and delicate instrument, whose irregular sounds form the basis of traditional Sicilian agro-pastoral music.
Next, we’ll venture into the wild beauty of Monte Venere, where a countryside home awaits us for the second part of our private experience. Here, amidst serene natural surroundings, another skilled artisan will demonstrate the crafting of friscaletti and traditional frame drums. The sounds of these instruments will accompany a live performance of U Ballettu supra a ciaramedda, a hypnotic folk dance guided by a dance therapist and researcher specializing in zampogna-based traditions.
Between dances, we'll also delight our palates with fresh ricotta, pecorino cheese, homemade cured meats, and other local specialties, allowing us to further appreciate the authenticity and genuineness of this remote part of Sicily.
