Saint Lucy’s Day is celebrated on 13 December. On this day, it is traditional to eat cuccìa, a typical Sicilian meal. It consists of boiled wheat used in sweet and savory preparations.

History of Cuccìa

The term cuccìa comes from the verb cucciàri that means "to pick, to nibble". Sicilians eat this meal in honour of the Holy Martyr, to commemorate the salvation of the island from famine in the XV century. On the 13th December, while Sicilians were starving, an unexpected ship loaded with wheat arrived in the port city. This event was interpreted by the whole population as a sign of God's providence.

Who is Saint Lucy?

Saint Lucy is the patron saint of the blind and people with eye problems. In classical iconography, she is shown with a palm branch (symbol of martyrdom), holding her eyes on a plate. Lucy was a Christian martyr who died during the Diocletianic Persecution at the beginning of the IV century. No specific reference to sight is found, probably this association is related to her name whose meaning is “light” (from latin lux, lucis).

The tradition of Santa Lucia on the Nebrodi

Especially in the villages of the Nebrodi territory, the period between December and January is by far the most exciting and engaging of the whole calendar, not only from a religious point of view, but also from a social one. During the Christmas holidays, when the opportunities to spend more time with friends multiply, it is important to take advantage of the initiatives promoted in the area to spread and nurture our precious traditions. Why not start with that of Santa Lucia?

Cuccìa di Santa Lucia in Raccuja

In Raccuja, every 13 December, the ANSPI Association organizes the traditional Cuccìa di Santa Lucia. Also this year it will be possible to pick up the traditional soup for free at 12:30 and 18:30 in the Teatrino adjacent to the Mother Church. Raccuja's cuccìa consists of a tasty cereal soup, cooked to perfection in a large cauldron, in an atmosphere of harmony and sharing, always respecting tradition. Take advantage also to admire the splendid handcrafted nativity scene framed by the Castle and the Mother Church skilfully reproduced in miniature, and set up at the foot of the statue of Maria SS Annunziata placed in a niche next to the altar.

Let's rediscover the tradition of Santa Lucia in Gioiosa Marea

At Gioiosa Marea , in contrada Santa Lucia , on 13 December it will be possible to rediscover the ancient popular tradition linked to the veneration of the holy martyr, protector of sight.

In the borough of San Giorgio, in Tonnara Square, the discovery continues with the Culinary Tradition of Cuccìa created in collaboration with the association Pro Loco San Giorgio .

You will thus visit one of the places richest in history and enchanting views of the Tyrrhenian coast. To make the atmosphere even more joyful and "noisy" the school children will take care of it: it will be a hamlet party with all the trimmings! Good cuccìa to all!

In the center of Gioiosa Marea, starting at 5.30 pm, creation of Christmas decorations with the spirit of recycling and at 7.00 pm tasting of "Arancini e cuccìa" in the food and wine stands.

Elena Favazzo

Photo: AMV Idealab s.r.l. / ttattago.com / Carmelo Lenzo © 2019