carretti

Carretti is the plural form of carretto, a traditional small wagon drawn by horses or donkeys that was used for transporting people and goods in various parts of Italy and the broader Mediterranean. The word carretto comes from the Italian carro (cart), which in turn derives from Latin carrus, with the diminutive suffix -etto, yielding “little cart.” Carretti come in different sizes and constructions, but commonly feature a wooden chassis, a cargo area, and two to four wheels. They were employed for agricultural work, market trips, and personal travel, and in some regions served as mobile caravans or refreshment stands.

A distinctive regional variation is the carretto siciliano, or Sicilian cart, which emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These carts are noted for their vividly painted sides and canvases that depict rural scenes, legends, saints, and decorative motifs, often framed by ornate borders and topped with sculptural details. The art form blends functional craft with folk painting and has become a symbol of Sicilian cultural heritage.

With modernization and motorization, traditional carretti largely disappeared from everyday use, but they are preserved in museums, folklore collections, and cultural festivals. Modern artisans also recreate or adapt the style in decorative pieces and replicas. As a surname, Carretti appears among Italian-speaking populations and their descendants.