Altavilla
Xmas market
As part of the Erasmus Plus Project “Inclusivity through Culture, Traditions, and Sports,” first and second-year secondary school students embarked on an enriching cultural exchange in Sicily. This mobility aims to raise awareness of the social challenges we face today, share effective practices in inclusive pedagogy, foster intercultural understanding of Europe's diversity, and promote English as a universal language of communication within the project.
From December 16th to 20th, a group of FEDAC students travelled to Sicily, where we were warmly welcomed by host families in Altavilla Milicia. The experience began with full immersion in the vibrant atmosphere of the local Christmas Market, where we delighted in the festive lights, enchanting sounds, and seasonal aromas, setting the tone for a memorable exchange.
At Barcelona airport
Having lunch
1st of ESO on the plane
2nd of ESO on the plane
Sunday 15th Cefalù
We spent the day with our families, exploring the beauties of Cefalù and Porticello.
Porticello
These coastal towns offered a perfect combination of culture, history and scenery.
First day in Sicily: welcome and starting to work
16th December 2024 -Our journey begins with a warm welcome at Istituto Comprensivo Altavilla Milicia, where we are greeted with traditional Sicilian dances performed by local students. This immersive cultural exchange is followed by a delicious breakfast featuring the famous cannoli filled with ricotta, alongside other Sicilian delicacies.
Later in the morning, we attend a thought-provoking theater performance about the recent history of the Sicilian mafia. The play highlights the courage of those who fought against organized crime, offering a powerful reflection on justice and resistance.
In the afternoon, we participate in the first phase of a hands-on workshop on Frutta Martorana, a traditional Sicilian pastry made of marzipan and shaped like real fruits. This activity allows us to explore the artistry and heritage of Sicilian confectionery.
Sicilian puppets
The story of Peppino & the Sicilian Mafia
Ready for the show
Second day in Sicily:
17th December 2024 - We have started the day at 8 o'clock and on the bus, we have driven to the mountains where the views are impressive.
Our adventure continues with an exciting outdoor walk at Grotta Mazzamuto, a geological wonder, where we admire the stunning natural cave surrounded by lush forests and rugged landscape.
Later, we have headed to the forest rangers' cottage where we have split into groups and participated in various orienteering challenges to discover the magnificent surroundings. Among them, the remains of an old hut to keep cattle and other animals.
We have continued in the open air, stopped for breakfast admiring the Sicilian coast from the heights provided by the altitude of the site. Next, we have taken part in group activities within our international groups, but this time, practicing various team sports.
In the afternoon we have enjoyed the school's Christmas market, hold in the school's courtyard with several Christmas stalls prepared by the school's students, while we have delighted ourselves with the melody of some Christmas carols played by some of the school's students who devote some of their afternoons to learn playing a musical instrument.
To end the day, we have completed the second phase of our Frutta Martorana workshop by painting our marzipan fruits and giving colour and life to such tasty delicacies.
3rd day in Sicily: Palermo
18th December 2024 - Today, we have immersed ourselves in the cultural richness of Sicily’s capital, Palermo. Entering through Via Maqueda, we have explored Cassaro, the city's oldest street, and have visited some of Palermo’s most iconic landmarks, including:
Palermo Cathedral, a breathtaking architectural masterpiece
The Chariot of Saint Rosalia, dedicated to the patron saint of Palermo
Quattro Canti, the famous Baroque square
Piazza Pretoria (The Square of Shame), known for its stunning Renaissance fountain
The Church of Santa Caterina, a magnificent example of Baroque architecture
The Norman Palace and its Palatine Chapel, showcasing stunning Byzantine mosaics
Our exploration has concluded with a visit to the Sicilian Puppet Museum, recognized by UNESCO, which houses the largest collection of traditional puppets, keeping this important artistic heritage alive
Tele One: Interview to Erasmus+ teachers
18th December 2024 - The local channel Tele one has also echoed the Erasmus mobility and has taken advantage of the fact that we are visiting the Palazzo dei Normanni to talk about our project in particular and interview the teachers involved in this mobility: Giuseppe di Franco & Mariolina Marino from Istituto Comprensivo Altavilla Milicia and Sílvia Garcia from FEDAC Manresa.
4th day in Sicily: Bagheria Villas
19th December 2024 - We have boarded a train to Bagheria, where we have visited Villa Cattolica, a grand 17th-century noble residence. This historic mansion is now home to an impressive art exhibition featuring the works of Renato Guttuso and other renowned painters. The villa also hosts an exhibition of traditional Sicilian carts and a film museum showcasing posters from legendary movies.
During our visit, we have also seen the tomb of Renato Guttuso and explored the underground chamber used in the past as a refuge from the scorching sirocco winds.
In the afternoon, we have enjoyed a Christmas concert performed by the music students, followed by a heartwarming graduation celebration.