Cuccia Festival in Altavilla Milicia

In month of December, especially on the 13th when the feast of Santa Lucia in Altavilla Milicia, it is customary to also organize the doghouse festival, a folk event dedicated to this specialty which has a unique flavor and is considered one of older dishes of the whole Sicilian culinary tradition.

Description of the doghouse festival in Altavilla Milicia

The festival is a much loved appointment not only by the inhabitants of the village but also by those who come to it every year to take part in it. Obviously the great protagonist of this culinary event is the kennel, a specialty that comes made with wheat boiled in milk or other liquid. It can be done in several ways, both sweet and savory, and during the festival visitors will not only be able to taste it ready but also learn how to make it during one of the cooking show and workshops organized for the occasion. In addition, the event is enriched with musical appointments, shows, handicraft booth but also of other delicacies that represent the best of traditional Sicilian cuisine.

The story linked to the doghouse festival in Altavilla Milicia

The cuccia is a very ancient dish, the preparation of which is already attested in 1646 when this preparation was offered by the nearby cities to the Syracusan population, which had been hit by a very serious famine. The decision to organize the sagra della cuccia in Altavilla Milicia precisely on Saint Lucia's day can be explained by the fact that her figure has always been considered the protector of all populations who ask to be protected precisely from drought and lack of food and harvest.

The name of cuccia probably derives from the dialectal term cocciu which means grain or from the Sicilian verb cucciari which instead literally means to eat something one grain at a time, just as it is customary to do with the cuccia.

When the doghouse festival takes place in Altavilla Milicia

The gastronomic event is held in conjunction with the feast of Santa Lucia which is celebrated on 13th December of each year.

Where the doghouse festival takes place in Altavilla Milicia

The festival involves the whole town of Altavilla Milicia as the food and wine stands are set up in every street in the historic centre.

What to do during the event in Altavilla Milicia

There are many attractions that can be admired in the historic center of Altavilla Milicia and which also tell a piece of its history. Certainly one of the most representative points is the Saracen bridge, whose name derives from the dating made of the structure, probably built during the Arab dominations. Then there are the so-called Norman towers which greatly affect the skyline of the village and which are part of a defensive system from the Middle Ages. The Marian Diocesan Shrine, in addition to being in a perfect position to enjoy a breathtaking view, it is also known for housing a beautiful painting dedicated to the Madonna and dating back to the XNUMXth century. Finally there is the churchness, which is actually the appellation given to Church of Santa Maria di Campogrosso.

How to get to Altavilla Milicia

Those who move by car from Palermo to take part in the festival they can take the E90, while those leaving from Catania or Enna should instead prefer the A19.
Visitors coming from Trapani will be able to choose the A29 first and then the E933 while those who move from Messina will have to refer to the route that first takes the A20 and then the E90. Starting from Agrigento, the reference road is the SS189, finally from Syracuse it is necessary to take the A19 first and immediately after the E932.

Altavilla Milicia can be reached on the train since it has its own railway station which is located along the Palermo-Agrigento line, finally it is always possible to reach the village via local buses made available by the AST company.