The Ricotta Boys were all smiles even with all the heat coming from the fires under the huge copper kettles!
This year things started off with a bang! Fantastic warm weather, the horses were in super shape and decked out to impress! They could hardly wait to get going down the cobblestone streets!
The costumes for the cavalli (horses) are stunning. They have designs depicting all manner of wars, conquests, daily life, avenging angels and the countryside of Sicily!
Footwear finery!
Aren’t we the handsome duo!
A calming whispered word before the festivities begin.
Getting ready for the hoardes of people lining up for a scoop of warm, just made ricotta. It’s what they came for and they all love it! It is made in huge copper kettles, cooked over an open wood fire and absolutely NOTHING like what you get in your big chain supermarket.
When you have finished your bowl of warm ricotta with bread chunks, then you take home these lovely tubs of the freshest ricotta ever! There is no comparison to this and most store bought ricotta when you go to make an almond cake, cookies or pasta dishes!
I can’t get enough of these beautiful animals!
For all you Americans…..yes, those are pheasant feathers.
The lantern under the cart is typical of the olden days to light up the road.
I ragazzi di ricotta! (the ricotta boys)
Artichokes (carciofi)
Wild Asparagus is wonderful and grows all over the terraces and roadsides in the early spring.
Fave Beans, sweet little green gems…and they make the most marvelous soup in the winter months. Maccu di Fave, a rich creamy soup, with or without added pasta.
Cassatelle di Ricotta….Limone and pistacchio flavor sweetened ricotta pastries!
Traditional ricotta filled cannoli!
The most incredible wheels of cheese that come with black peppercorns, red pepper or pistachios!
Liberation Day 25th April is a national Italian holiday commemorating the end of Nazi occupation of the Country during World War II and the victory of the Resistance!
The date was chosen by convention, as it was the day of the year 1945 when the National Liberation Committee of Upper Italy (CLNAI) officially proclaimed the insurgency in a radio announcement, propounding the seizure of power by the CLNAI and proclaiming the death sentence for all fascist leaders (including Benito Mussolini, who was shot three days later). * See more on https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liberation_Day_(Italy)
Remembering those who have fallen.
The beautiful hand painted ceramics of Caltagirone.
Smoked Provolone of all sizes.
The kids and adults alike had a fun day!
Who doesn’t love Mickey and Minnie!
One last look at those mouthwatering Cassatelle (sweetened ricotta pastries) as we made our way back to the car…full, happy and loving our choice of Sicily being our next adventure!
