Sulphur has been dug here since the seventeenth century: the Trabia-Tallarita mine, the Solfara Grande, was one of the richest in Sicily and is now a museum. In July 1883 thirty-six miners died in it, eleven of them from Sommatino.
The patron is Saint Barbara, protector of miners: on 4 December the bonfires known here as vampi are lit in the streets. During Holy Week the urn of Christ is carried by former miners in uniform, and in March they perform lu tuppi tuppi, the flight into Egypt knocking at every door until one family opens and lays out the Tavula Sbampata. There are 7,267 residents.
Arancina · Pasta alla Norma
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Next up: Saint Barbara, patroness and protector of Sommatino's miners, Friday 4 December
Nearest airport: Catania Fontanarossa, 96 km away
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📅 Every year, on 4 December
Sommatino celebrates Saint Barbara on 4 December: patroness of the town and protector of miners, she is the object of deeply felt devotion by the whole population, who dedicate a solemn procession to her.
Saffron rice, ragù with peas and caciocavallo cheese inside a golden crust. Round and feminine in Palermo, pointed and called arancino in Catania: the quarrel is serious.
Read more →Straight-line distances from the town centre. Tap a point to open its page.
The closest destinations covered by our editors, with straight-line distance.
Outside Sommatino, but an easy day trip away.
