While Bisacquino was founded 1200 years ago, traces of Greek inhabitation date back 8000 years. The tranquil, picturesque stone streets bear surnames very familiar to those with Bisacquinese roots whose families emigrated to America and settled in Sicilian-American communities in Louisianna, Alabama, New York, Texas and California.
There are nearly 20 active churches in Bisacquino, four of the most important being Chiesa Madre di San Giovanni Battista in the town square; Chiesa del Calvario, dedicated to the celebration of Holy Week; Chiesa Maria SS. del Rosario; and the Santuario della Madonna del Balzo, built at the site of the miracle of Madonna del Balzo above town on the side of Mt. Triona
The biggest religious processions are carried out through the streets on Good Friday, May 3 and August 15. May 3 is a major procession through the streets celebrating the Feast of the Crucifix, and as the sun goes down the entire town marches along with 32 statues of the saints on their shoulders. During the whole month of August, Bisacquino holds religious, musical, cultural and culinary events, and on August 15 is another massive procession celebrating their patron saint Maria del Balzo. Once again, everyone in town is involved in the procession through the narrow streets with the enormous shrine of the Madonna del Balzo hoisted upon their shoulders. The celebration ends with an inspiring performance by the Bisacquino marching band and impressive display of fireworks over the hills below town.
The food here is local, seasonal and fresh. Fruit and vegetable stores, butchers, bakeries and cheese shops line the major arteries of town. Small trucks can be seen around town regularly selling fresh fish from the Sicilian coast, as well as local farmers selling their latest harvest. Bisacquino lies at a crossroads of unique agriculture, most notably olives, grapes, citrus, wheat, the famous grapefruit-size Bisacquino sweet onions, prickly pears, beans, figs, persimmons and something for every season. There are lots of sheep and cows producing a wonderful variety of cheeses, as well as the meat you’ll find at the butcher.
The residents of Bisacquino are extremely welcoming, kind and full of character. Life moves at a significantly slower pace than most Americans are used to. Sicilians are more focused on family, friends, food, faith and living in the moment. We invite you to immerse yourselves in this culture and look forward to showing you the beauty of BEING in Bisacquino!
