Sicilian Folklore

The famous "Carretto"

Taormina 2010
Taormina 2010

The Sicilian Cart or "Carretto Siciliano"is an ornate, colorful style of horse or donkey-drawn cart native to the island of Sicily. Carts are known for being covered in carvings and brightly painted scenes from Sicilian history and folklore. These scenes also served the purpose of conveying historical information to those who were illiterate. The "Carretto Siciliano" are used for hauling miscellaneous light loads, such as wood, wine, and people, called "Carretto del Lavoro" (cart for work) and also carts for festive occasions such as weddings and parades called "Carretto de Gara'.

The Sicilian "Carretto" is made in several provinces in Sicily each with their own style. Carretti made in the province of Palermo have more of a square box design, those made in Catania are made with more elaborate 'keys', and then there are the carts made in Agrigento which have their own distinctive style In modern-day Sicily, the tradition continues in small, three-wheeled motorized vehicles (called lapa ). They are often painted in the traditional way.