Curious to know what it means to be “Islanders”?

We islanders are often influenced by our proximity to the sea, the Etna, and the seasons that transform everything in nature, taking all the time they need. For this reason, in Sicily the key word is “slowness”. Time here does not really exist and is measured according to one’s own rhythm and needs.

Sicilian time and the famous “around…”

For example, if you ask an islander: “What time shall we meet?”, most of the time they will reply: “Around 10–10:30”, but rest assured they will never arrive before noon. It is the “around…” that makes the difference!

But if we islanders are used to all this and hardly even notice it anymore, it is also true that visitors tend to forgive this relaxed attitude; because the waiting is always filled with kindness, friendship, generosity, hospitality, and warmth that only an islander can offer.

The traveler and Sicilian hospitality

In fact, if a traveler gets lost and asks for directions, you can be sure that an islander will not only provide the requested information—trying to make themselves understood with gestures when they do not speak the same language—but will also accompany them all the way to their destination.

And along that journey, the traveler will experience something they will never forget. From that moment on, they become a true islander themselves, discovering hidden places known only by locals and, above all, a friendship that often lasts over time.

“Chiacchiera” and the art of communication

Another characteristic of us islanders is “talking”—we certainly do not lack that! We talk to anyone we come across and manage to find anecdotes about any topic.

But what defines us most is gesturing and speaking loudly! Gesturing is essential for us because it gives more emphasis to words and highlights everything we say. It is also a way to communicate with foreigners and make ourselves understood even when it seems impossible.

Elders are true masters of communication through gestures: you will never find an elderly person unable to make themselves understood by a traveler, regardless of nationality!

“Ittari uci”: the voice of Sicily

And what about “speaking loudly”, in the Sicilian dialect “Ittari uci”, meaning: “if they don’t see us, they can still hear us!”

We speak loudly, we gesture, we are forever late—but one thing is certain: with us islanders, guests will live unique experiences, feeling special, loved, and cared for at every moment of their stay!

Photo source: pixabay and Isolani per caso