Also in Sicily like as in most parts of the world, the new year's eve is among the favourite celebrations. There are no special traditions or famous events in Sicily but every town organizes free public parties in the main squares and town centers with music, fireworks and dance, often until the rising of the sun. Sicilian people love fireworks and on the days before December 31st it's easy to see stands on the streets which sell every type of fireworks. Be carefull because often these fireworks are prohibited by law and some municipalities have prohibited it at all. Anyway at midnight in every Sicilian town there are a lot of "botti", the explosions and lights of the fireworks. Many Sicilians celebrate midnight with their relatives ands then reach the main squares after midnight, dancing and walking around until sunrise and closing the night with a good breakfast at the bar with warm "cornetti" Many bars are open also on December 31 night and January 1 morning.
Beside the public parties in the squares there are also many private events and dinners organized by hotels, restaurants and "agriturismi". There is always a hearty dinner and often live music. The prices for the new year's eve are high and it's necessary to book several days in advance a table.
In Catania and other town on the sea, it's also tradition to have a swim in the morning of January 1st. Temperatures are not high but the Sicilian winter is warm enough for this little madness. In the theaters of the main towns like Palermo and Catania, there are also new year's concerts with classical music. Also for this events it's important to book in advance the tickets.
New year's eve 2020 in the main Sicilian towns
Below you can find the new year's events in the main Sicilian towns.
Palermo
There will be two public shows this year in Palermo. The first one will be in the central piazzale Giulio Cesare (in front of the train station) and the second one at the Cep. Both shows will be free and start at around 9.30 pm on December 31. At the train station there will be the Sicilian artist Mario Biondi. At the Cep music and cabaret with Lello Analfino, Tinturia and the actor Nino Frassica.
Catania
In Catania the public show will be in the central Piazza Duomo, near via Etnea. There will be a first show on December 30, starting at 6.30 pm, with the anchorman Salvo La Rosa and music of Roy Paci, Aretuska and Mirko Casadei. On December 31 there will be the concert of Max Gazzè and disco music with DJ Fargetta. The underground and public busses will run until 2:30 am and the parking spots in the town center will be free that night.
New year's concerts 2020 in Sicily
Palermo
On January 1st at 6.30 pm there will be the new year's concert at the Teatro Massimo in Palermo. The concert will be directed by Omer Meier Wellber. Music of Strauss, Wagner, Verdi and Puccini. It's possible to have a look at the complete program on the website of the Teatro Massimo. The prices vary from 30 to 70 €. The earnings will be devolved for charity. This event is already sold out.
A second concert will be at the Politeama theater, also at 6.30 pm. It will be directed by Evgeny Bushkov with the soprano Desiree Rancatore. Tickets price from 30 to 70 €. Further information at this link.
Catania
In Catania the new year's concert at the "Bellini" theater will start at 7.00 pm on January 1. The event is directed by Andrea Sanguineti and there will be music from Strauss, Bizet, Verdi, Puccini. Mascagni. Also this event is already sold out.
