Altavilla

Xmas market

As part of the Erasmus Plus Project “Inclusivity through Culture, Traditions, and Sports,” we first and second-year secondary school students have 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 has begun with full immersion in the vibrant atmosphere of the local Christmas Market, where we have 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 have spent the day with our families, exploring the beauties of Cefalù and Porticello.

Sunday 15th Porticello

These coastal towns have 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 have attended 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 have participated 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 has allowed 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: Grotta Mazzamutto & Frutta Martorana

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 has interviewed 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.

For lunch, we had the typical pane e panelle at a Friggitoria.

In the evening, we have enjoyed a Christmas concert performed by the music students, followed by a heartwarming graduation celebration.

Final day in Sicily: Farewell at Belvedere

19th December 2024 - Our final day in Sicily is dedicated to reflection, learning, and celebrating everything we have experienced during this incredible Erasmus+ journey.

In the morning, we have delivered our presentations on inclusivity, a topic we have explored throughout our classroom sessions. These presentations have allowed us to share ideas, perspectives, and insights on the importance of diversity in different areas of society such as our Catalan Cultural Associations like the Geganters (giant figures in Catalan festivals) and Xàldiga, which organize events where popular culture becomes a tool for social cohesion. On the other hand, we have analysed whether the Olympic Games and other sports competitions effectively promote the inclusion of athletes with disabilities, genderdifferences, nationality, or socioeconomic status.

Later on we have visited their local primary school, where we interact with young students through engaging activities and songs. This special moment allows us to share the cultural richness of our home countries while leaving an inspiring message about respect, inclusion, and diversity.

Finally, we have headed to Belvedere, where we gather for an emotional farewell event. With hugs, laughter, and even a few tears, we say goodbye, taking home not only academic and cultural knowledge but also new friendships and a broader perspective on the world.

With our suitcases filled with unforgettable memories and our hearts full of gratitude, we say arrivederci to Sicily, knowing that this Erasmus+ experience has shaped us and will stay with us forever

Page updated

Report abuse