siciliani

Sicilians are the inhabitants of Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean and an autonomous region of Italy. The plural Italian term siciliani refers to people from Sicily or of Sicilian descent; in English, the demonym is Sicilians. The island’s population is around five million, with major urban centers including Palermo, Catania, Messina, and Syracuse, along with extensive rural areas. The Sicilian community also includes people of Sicilian origin living in the Italian mainland and abroad.

Language and identity: The Sicilian language, or Sicilian, is a Romance language with influences from Greek, Arabic, Norman, and Catalan, reflecting centuries of diverse rule. Italian is the official language of education and government, but many Sicilians are bilingual or use Sicilian in daily life, family, and local media. Sicilian culture encompasses distinct traditions, music, and folklore alongside broader Italian customs.

History and culture: Sicily’s history features Greek, Phoenician, Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Norman, and Spanish periods, which shaped architecture, agriculture, and cuisine. The siciliani have contributed to Mediterranean culture through art, literature, and cuisine that blends local and foreign influences. The diaspora of Sicilians extends across Europe, the Americas, and Australia, maintaining ties through family, festivals, and culinary traditions.