December 20, 2010
Well, I never. My first Christmas in Sicily, and so many surprises! I found this pair wandering an empty piazza. They stopped so I could shoot them, but I didn’t dare interrupt the music to ask Who in blazes are you?
The Great God Google says they’re Zampognari. The instrument on the right is a zampogna, or Italian bagpipe, made of reeds and a sheep’s hide, and dating back to the time of Nero.
In Sicily, bagpipe-blowing shepherds traditionally come down from Mount Etna at Christmastime to play in the villages–sort of the Sicilian equivalent of Christmas carolers.
Are these Zampognari real shepherds dressed up as Santa? Or faux shepherds trying to revive what many fear is a dying art? I’m not sure, but they blow a mean Christmas carol.
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so this is what we are in for today…we are going to see some zampognari play today near giardini naxos!
Ciao Karen–have fun!
They must have some well-serenaded sheep in Sicily!
wonderful.
Grazie, Catherine.
Fabulous!
Jodina of http://www.italianowithjodina.com
There’s a man who goes around playing in our neighborhood too during Christmas… but he doesn’t dress as nice as your guys 😛
too too terrific!
BACI-Christine
Great shot! Love to see eccentric characters like these that still embody part of the holiday season!
What goofy delightful fellows! It would be so wonderful if you could record some of the sounds from this special Christmas in Sicily and share them in your blog! However, your photos, as always, give us the great gift of being there with you! Thanks, Jann!
Ciao Aysha–you gave me an idea, and next blog I’ll have another little video with a bit of local Christmas music…
Love it! I see you haven’t any snow there….
Cathy–it’s in the 60s here at the moment. Almond trees in blossom for Christmas!