Christmas in Cefalù

In December the suggestive beauty of the medieval village of Cefalù is the background to an unmissable event: the Christmas in Cefalù. A full program of events leads visitors through narrow streets and churches, theaters and squares, to discover one Cefalù truly unprecedented. As per tradition we start on December 8th, day ofImmaculate Conception, with the inauguration of the crib built on the staircase of the magnificent Duomo and it's "The Way of the Nativity": among the streets of the historic centre, near the Cathedral, theOctagon of Santa Caterina, the major churches and even in the windows of shops and shops are exposed handcrafted cribs of great value.
Musical appointments and the theatrical performances follow each other almost non-stop: concerts of chamber and polyphonic music, Christmas carols, melodies typical of other regions of the world are performed by groups, soloists or itinerant bagpipers in different sites of the city such as the Cicero Theatre, Piazza Duomo, Cathedral Basilica and the streets of the village. There Santa's house, then, awaits all the children at the Court of Stars, modern cultural space located in the heart of Old Town.

Christmas in Cefalù between worship and tradition

The space that is given to the most ancient Cefalù traditions during this event is large. An example of this is the winter bath that brave swimmers take in the waters of the Old Pier or the memory of Miracle of Saint Lucia. It is said that on the night between 12 and 13 December 1645 a shoemaker neglected to go to the church to celebrate the Saint until he saw blood coming out of the holes of the nails driven into the shoe he was working on. This shoe, which has become an object of worship, is still exhibited today in the church dedicated to Saint Lucia.
The sweet music of the "Ninnariedda", the serenade to the Child performed during the Christmas Eve night, and the character of the "Old Strina", the stooped, toothless witch who night of December 31st he leaves the fortress where he lives to distribute sweets to the children, an auspicious ritual welcomed by the little ones celebrating to the sound of cans and jars.

The story linked to Christmas in Cefalù

Sponsored by Municipality of Cefalù, by the Pro Loco and by the Diocese, Christmas in Cefalù it is an event which, as we have seen, has its roots in the local culture. devotion toImmaculate Conception, Patroness of the city, the love for crib art, the re-enactment of Miracle of Saint Lucia and visits from Old Strina get lost in the night of time and reveal the many facets of the Cefalù culture.

What to do during the event

The list of tasks to be done during the Christmas in Cefalù it's really endless. Along the illuminated and richly decorated streets, the stalls of the market abound with crafts, gastronomic specialities and very greedy Sicilian sweets. It is possible to attend musical reviews and theatrical works, admire "Living paintings" and the "Cathedral at night" or take a trip to the Cefalu Cathedral.
After following the Elves to the Santa's House, the little ones await the Old Strina with trepidation or entertain themselves at the cineforum. Of course, you can not miss a visit to Norman cathedral, declared byUnesco World Heritage Site for the wonderful mosaics, the splendid cloister and the paintings that embellish the apses, or to the seventeenth century Bastion of Capo Marchiafava, the highest point of the coast from which you can enjoy a truly breathtaking view.
Equally famous, finally, is the Sanctuary of Gibilmanna. Dedicated to the Blessed Virgin, and located on the slopes of the Pizzo Sant'Angelo in Madonie Park, where it takes place annually Feast of Our Lady of Gibilmanna.

Where the event is held

Inserted between Most beautiful villages in Italy, Cefalù is one of the most popular and popular tourist destinations in the Sicilia. The fine sandy beaches that alternate with overhanging coves, the medieval buildings that reach the beach and are reflected in the emerald green waters give it a very special charm and make it the perfect location for an unforgettable Christmas.

How to reach Cefalù

Located about 70 km from Palermo, Cefalù is connected to the Sicilian capital by the A20 motorway and by the public transport service: train which leaves from Palermo station and reaches Cefalù in just over 1 hour.
It is then about 2 hours and 15 minutes from Messina, always along the A20 or using the treno regional which leaves from the Messina Central station.
Then 2 hours separate those who reach Cefalù by car from Catania through the A19 and the SS113 while it takes about 4 hours and 30 minutes by taking the regional trains of Trenitalia.
A journey that is really worth taking to experience the unique experience of Christmas in Cefalù.