The Local’s Approach When Traveling to Italy│Come Taste The Sherbeth Festival
As an Italian, I can tell you that the best way to enjoy Italy is the local way. And — if you have’t yet — my suggestion is to start with Sicily and follow the boot of our country from the bottom up!
Sicily is the heart of the Mediterranean Area and the cradle of its civilization. Sicily is an island of Italy, but she belongs to the whole Mediterranean Area.
Italy, Emilia-Romagna, Mediterranean area, Bologna district, Bologna by SalvadoriArte
You may wonder which is the best period of the year to visit Sicily?
The best time to travel to Italy is late spring or early fall. I recommend avoiding full summers because of the hot weather, and not full winter because of the short daylight.
Be sure to witness the beauty of Palermo
photo courtesy of Marianna from IG la_sicili3nne
But, first of all, listen: during your stay in Palermo, please forget that you are a tourist. You are not a tourist.
You should become a temporary citizen of Palermo. It is the magic way to deeply enjoy this wonderful town.
Many Italians will tell you to visit and and experience these:
Palazzo dei Normanni · Cappella Palatina · Cathedral · Chiesa di San Giovanni degli Eremiti · Chiesa della Martorana · Chiesa di San Cataldo · Castello della Zisa · Teatro Massimo
If you’re in Palermo the last days between September and October — Come join as the locals make their way to celebrate the Sherbeth Festival — from sunset to late evening. The festival which runs from September 29 – October 2nd. The flavors are so exquisite, my God!
The Sherbeth Festival is the festival of the handmade gelato.
photos courtesy of Sherbeth Festival
Many don’t know that the word Sherbeth is arabic. In the years between 878 and 1091 Arabs lived in Sicily and their sherbeth became the forefather of our delicious (Italian) gelato.
During the days of the Sherbeth Festival the center of Palermo becomes a magnificent flow of colorful booths. Each booth is manned in an oh so lovely way by the gelato maker who greets you with excitement as you enjoy the flavors of handmade gelato.
The flavors are local, from the natural citrus gardens of Sicily: lemon, mandarin, orange. The unique Pistachio comes from a protected area is Bronte, which is a small hill town and not far from the Etna volcano. Sicily’s main flavor is almond along with gorgeous flavors of creams of vanilla, chocolate, and so many others. Let’s not forget mint!
Concorso tecnico “Procopio De’ Coltelli” -primo gusto classificato gelato “cioccolato e fichi secchi
You can find a little taste of heaven at every booth; maybe not all together in one day, please. Take your time. This is an International Festival, therefore you can enjoy handmade gelato coming from other countries of Europe and, listen, from USA too! Be sure to stop by and greet Marco Silvestrini, the owner of the famous gelato shop in Austin, Dolce Neve.
