If you love medieval celebrations and Sicilian history, you could take the opportunity to visit Enna which is the navel and also a bit the balcony of the island (it is the highest capital of Italy). It takes place here in fact, the European Week Federiciana, a now traditional event, which is renewed every year and pays tribute to the most beloved king of Sicily, Frederick II of Swabia.
The occasion is also delicious to look at the viewpoints of the upper part of the city and take a look at the surrounding Sicilian countryside but, above all, to taste the authentic Sicilian tastes, which always bear traces of the dominations that have occurred here, leaving a precious and… tasty imprint.
The legacy of Frederick II in Sicily
Frederick II of Swabia, also known as “Stupor Mundi” (Wonder of the World), was an extraordinarily important figure in the European Middle Ages and, in particular, in Sicily.
An extremely cultured man of far too broad views for his time, he was considered by some to be an eccentric but by the majority a visionary who dreamed of a modern Europe, in which the cultural identity of each nation was protected and valued. And precisely this concept of belonging that does not stray from its reality is one of the themes dear to the European Week Federiciana Enna, as we will soon see.
Born in 1194, he became emperor of the Holy Roman Empire in 1220 and reigned over a vast territory that also included the Kingdom of Sicily (occupied all of southern Italy). In Palermo he established the center of his politics.
Its presence in the history of Enna is fundamental: recognizing the strategic position, consolidated its defensive structure strengthening the Castle of Lombardy. He built the Tower of Frederick driven by his passion for falconry and hunting.
Frederick, also known for his extensive knowledge of philosophy, astrology, economics, mathematics and medicine (he also spoke six different languages), was a sovereign who always aimed at the cultural, artistic and legislative renewal of his kingdom.
He wished to unite peoples and lands, but this led to an open confrontation with the Church, which criticized his temporal authority and excommunicated him. Frederick was a patron of the arts and sciences and his court became a meeting place of different cultures. He played a significant role in the development of Sicilian literature and poetry, which then influenced the formation of the Italian language.
Foto : Scopri Enna
Federiciana European Week, a tribute to local history and traditions
During the European Week Federiciana Enna returns to the time of Frederick II and offers participants to relive the splendor and splendor of his era.
On 9 May, we celebrate Europe Day, in memory of the Schuman Declaration of 1950, which started the process of European integration. In the first half of May, Enna becomes, for a week, a lively medieval setting. On this occasion the debate on current European issues opens, but within an unprecedented scenario, returned “magically” medieval.
Year after year, the event has gradually transformed into a talent laboratory and an important meeting place for associations, historic districts, schools, universities, internationally renowned personalities and ordinary citizens.
The goal is not only to entertain and celebrate the figure of Frederick II but also to pass on to the new generations the concept of “belonging” in which you can preserve your identity.
Among the most emblematic activities we mention the Palio dei Quartieri, a competition between the various districts of the city that compete in costume games and skill tests. It is also possible to attend the parades of the historical groups and participate in richly detailed parades or buy handicraft and gastronomic products typical of the time of Frederick II. During the festival there are exhibitions, conferences, cultural meetings of all kinds and traveling shows with medieval music. The highlight of the event is the Gran Corteo Storico, which starts from the Swabian Tower and ends at the Castello di Lombardia.
According to Cettina Rosso, creator of the event and president of the House of Europe: “The European Week federiciana is growing and is taking root outside Enna. Important and lasting contacts are still ongoing with prestigious cultural realities of Malta, Jesi and with the Week of Cultures of Palermo”.
At table with Federico
Participating in the European Week Federiciana also means immersing yourself in the local culinary traditions. On the other hand, the cuisine, with its rich heritage of flavours and traditions, acts as a universal language that overcomes cultural and linguistic barriers, connecting people and fostering a deep and meaningful dialogue.
In this context, the region of Enna offers a gastronomic heritage full of history and authenticity, which integrates harmoniously with the beauty of its landscapes and its ancient traditions.
The cuisine of Enna is known for its typical mountain flavors. Among the first courses we find the famous pasta “ricasciata” (a timbale of macaroni with meat sauce, eggs, salami, cheese and peas) and sweet and sour macaroni (prepared with meat sauce, eggplant, sugar and cinnamon).
Also famous is the macco di fave, the most common soup in the area. The frascatula is instead a polenta made from corn flour or wheat, a dish of humble origins, enriched with seasonal wild vegetables. Yes, even in Sicily they ate and ate polenta, which was probably also served at the court of Frederick II.
Copertina: Scopri Enna
