In Cefalu to experience the magic of Christmas

Photo by MichelangeloMignosa/Pixabay

Christmas is slowly approaching and we start thinking about gifts. We all keep saying that we now have a house full of items! So, instead of adding more, why not think of something original as an exciting, memorable experience that is sure to find a welcome place in the memory drawer? A trip is just what you need to be enchanted by the magic of the Christmas season. If you choose Sicily, treat yourself to a few days in Cefalù. Between December and January, Italy's most beautiful village takes on the guise of a nativity scene, welcoming tourists in a charming, intimate atmosphere that smells of festivity and gives the charm of the winter sea.

It will be pleasant to stroll through the alleys, to be fascinated by the illuminations such as the one in the gallery of Via Matteotti, to linger in the many stores for shopping where one can find pretty gift thoughts even of handcrafted workmanship. The little ones can get involved with the jolly Santa Claus who will host them in his "home" at the Court of Stars, the games of street performers, parades with mascots and then enjoy a good cartoon movie at the cinema. Unmissable cultural initiatives that from Dec. 7 until Jan. 8 will enliven the holiday season with concerts by Tosca, Francesco Buzzurro, Chiara Minaldi, Yannis Constans & Roberto Gervasi Quartet, Alessandra Salerno, as many as two Gospel groups from the States, Irish Leaves, Officina Zoe', Jack & the Starlighters, Women Orchestra, street bands and costume parades. Then the events signed by the Amici della Musica association continue at both the Mandralisca Museum and the "Salvatore Cicero" Municipal Theater, and there will be no shortage of performances by very young talents from the Teatro Massimo such as Simone Palumbo (violinist) and Vittoria D'Agostaro (pianist). Not to be missed is the exhibition of more than 50 artistic Nativity scenes at the St. Catherine's Octagon, and for those who love theater to be marked the appointment with the topical play "Refugees - The Breath of Migrants" by U. Bentivegna.

So many events that will make a trip to Cefalù even more enjoyable that just one or two days will not be enough to experience it at its best. Beloved by filmmakers and painters Cefalù offers the most romantic side of its landscape precisely during the winter months. Nestled as it is between the sea and the mountains, it meets the feelings of those who are looking for a place that knows how to emanate warmth and beauty. Not only its churches and ancient palaces will tell the ancient history contained in them, but also the nature that surrounds it will give unique emotions. Here the imperative is to enjoy the pleasures of its sea and the mountains that tower above it: so green light to walks along the seafront, to delicious gastronomic tastings among the many Cephaludese eateries or, pushing higher, to high-altitude nature excursions by walking the paths of the Madonie Park.

"This year we are celebrating in a big way," declares the mayor of Cefalù, Daniele Tumminello. "After the stops due to the pandemic, we are happy to be able to celebrate Christmas together with our fellow citizens and tourists under the banner of entertainment and culture, to experience and share moments of fun and sociability. We look forward to seeing you in Cefalù, which this year offers a whole month of Christmas entertainment: the Pearl of the Tyrrhenian Sea, in fact, will host several musical and cultural events, designed for adults and also for children, to whom, among other things, is reserved a rich program of activities with Santa's House at the Court of the Stars, Christmas at the Astro Cinema and inflatables at the middle school gymnasium."