Blog: Discover Italy

Feast of Santa Lucia December 13 After the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, the next important celebration during the Christmas season is the Feast of Santa Lucia (St. Lucy) on December 13th. Santa Lucia lived in the late 200’s AD in Syracuse, Sicily in Italy during a time when being a Christian was a criminal offense in the Roman Empire. From an early age, Lucia devoted her life to Christ and to serving the poor.  One day, Lucia had attracted the attention of a pagan Roman officia …

Cassatella di Sant'Agata – “Saint Agatha’s Breasts” In Sicily, there is a well-known pastry known as Cassatella di Sant'Agata, translated as, Saint Agatha's Breasts. Named after Saint Agatha, an early Christian martyr who was tortured by having her breasts cut off, these round shaped sweets are made of sponge cake, soaked in Rosolio (a traditional Italian liquor), and filled with ricotta cheese, chocolate drops, and candied fruit - such as oranges or citrons and then …