Tradition and work

The oldest traditions of this small Etnean village are deeply rooted in the typical work activities and religious festivities that, since its origins, took place around the little church dedicated to Saint Andrew. The first families who settled in Milo and Fornazzo mainly dedicated themselves to logging, woodworking, and charcoal production—activities that still persist today, albeit with a reduced overall economic impact.

Woodworking was done with rudimentary tools and was a highly specialized craft learned after long apprenticeships under the “masters of the axe” (mastri d’ascia). Nowadays, modern machinery in Fornazzo’s sawmills makes the work much easier and faster.

Charcoal is still produced following the ancient, complex procedures that range from cutting down trees and sectioning the material to preparing the “fussuni” (kiln) and lighting it. Another traditional activity that continues to hold some economic relevance is the processing of lava stone, from which “basole” and “bolognini” (paving stones), door jambs, arches, and “facci ‘i vista” (facing stones) for retaining walls are made. In the past, lava stone was also used to create household objects such as “scifi” (containers), “pile” (basins), and mills for grinding grain.

An activity now disappeared, but which provided work for many families in Fornazzo for several years, was the preservation and trade of snow. Snow was stored in the “tacche” of Cerrita, Monte Caliato, and Fornazzo itself, cut into blocks during the summer season, and transported by mule to Catania or Riposto, from where it was shipped by sea to Malta. Among all the traditional activities of Milo, grape cultivation and the grape harvest—its climactic moment of communal participation—are the best known.

Up until the years following World War II, the grape harvest was still a grand celebration: throughout the month of October, Milo would fill with harvesters and “pistaturi” from neighboring villages who, in groups—or “ciurme”—of varying size depending on the vineyard’s extent, set out to work at the first light of dawn. In the vineyard, some gathered the grapes while others carried them to the palmento, where the “pistaturi” transformed them into must by crushing the clusters with their feet in the pista, a large basin made of masonry and lava stone.

Tradition held that during the grape harvest, the first “pasta e ceci” (pasta with chickpeas) of the year was tasted, while accordion players rhythmically accompanied the work of the “pistaturi.” Even today, modern wineries in Milo recreate some of these moments during the harvest season to let visitors experience the lively atmosphere of the past.

Among the religious festivals most closely tied to Milo’s traditions are those of Saint Anthony, Corpus Domini, the Immaculate Conception (celebrated on November 1st), and, of course, the patron saint, Saint Andrew. On January 17th—or more precisely, the Sunday closest to that date—the people of Milo once celebrated Saint Anthony with great devotion, the protector of domestic animals: especially donkeys and mules were brought to the square in front of the church, where the parish priest would give them a holy blessing. For the occasion, women prepared “cuddureddi” (flour dough rings), which men took to church to be blessed and then distributed to attendees, children, and even to the animals waiting outside the church.

In June, the Corpus Domini festival was—and still is—celebrated with great popular participation; as early as the 1700s, the Blessed Sacrament was carried in procession through the village streets, accompanied by a drummer. At the end of the procession, villagers enjoyed “mortaretti, solfarelli, and fontanoni,” fireworks crafted by Master Rosario Foti.

The most beautiful and eagerly awaited celebration of the year was, of course, reserved for Saint Andrew. On the last Sunday of July, the whole community of Milo comes alive with a grand festival as the statue of the saint is carried through the village, accompanied by a large procession of the faithful and the town band. Over the years, the “cantata” has become a cherished tradition: a choir of voices singing a hymn to the patron saint, to whom the people of Milo have repeatedly entrusted the fate of their village, especially when threatened by Mount Etna.