Arancina or arancino? The great battle between Palermo and Catania.

The battles over the centuries have been many and, especially in Sicily, have involved various peoples who have always tried to give voice to their socio-economic supremacy. But we Sicilians know which is the most relevant: the intellectual and linguistic one which sees two splendid cities of our island as protagonists and which for years have been the undisputed destination of national and international tourists: Palermo and Catania which, even today, wonder if it is said " Arancina” or “Arancino”.

Well yes, today we will tell you about this culinary delicacy, loved not only by Sicilians but by people from all over the world. If you missed the previous blogs, and just to make you hungry, don't worry because there's still time! Click to find out more about Cannoli, Cassata and Sfincia di San Giuseppe.

The arancina is a specialty of Sicilian cuisine which, as such, has been officially recognized and included in the list of traditional Italian agri-food products (PAT) of the Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policies (MiPAAF). It is a ball or cone of rice, cooked like saffron risotto, wrapped in a mixture of flour and water and then breaded and fried. With a diameter of 8-10 cm, it is generally stuffed either with bolognese sauce and peas or diced ham and mozzarella.

On the name, although the Accademia della Crusca has awarded Palermo as the winner, the debate is still open. According to the Palermitans, this dish should be indicated in the feminine, as the name derives from the fruit of the orange tree, that is, the orange, which in Italian is declined in the feminine. According to the inhabitants of Catania, however, it should be masculine since the Sicilian language, deriving from vulgar Latin, has maintained, unlike Italian, the correspondence between the grammatical genders adopted by the Latin language for plants and fruits (e.g. pirum (the pear): in Italian "la pera" (f.), in Sicilian "u piru" (m.) ).

L’Alba: Breathtaking villa with direct access to the sea in one of the major tourist attractions in Palermo: Mondello! Let yourself be lulled in the hammock by the sea breeze and the colors and scents of the sea that will stretch out before your eyes. A magical and unprecedented atmosphere, in the peace of Sicily's nature but within walking distance of the most coveted Palermo tourist scene ever.

Baia Smeraldo: Are you looking for a delightful home, with a private swimming pool, direct and private access to the sea, in an area that can give you peace and tranquillity away from the chaos of the metropolis? Do not go further because Baia Smeraldo is the perfect solution for your holidays in Sicily. Located 6 km from Cefalù, a tourist-seaside village among the most coveted of tourism at 360 °, this residence will give you moments of absolute quiet while immersed in its luxuriant garden, full of Mediterranean plants, or while you will let yourself be inebriated by the panorama on the crystalline sea ​​of ​​Sicily.

Villa D'amare: Wonderful villa with private swimming pool, immersed in a 3000 square metre garden and located in one of the most sought-after places of tourism in Sicily: Mondello. Ideal starting point for exploring the heart of north-western Sicily from Scopello to San Vito Lo Capo, from Caccamo to Monreale, from Marsala to Cefalù, this exquisite residence is ready to give you an adventure holiday in Sicily for just 700 metres from the beach, but also relaxation in its fantastic private swimming pool surrounded by the greenery of Sicilian nature.

Solemar: Superlative residence with private infinity pool, on the sea and located in Terrasini in the wonderful province of Palermo, the capital of splendid Sicily and the main destination of national and international tourism. Solemar is ready to give you a holiday full of emotions and relaxation: the undisputed protagonist is the breathtaking and uninterrupted view of the wonderful Gulf of Castellammare that you can observe from any point of the house. Its location is not far behind being almost halfway between the province of Palermo and that of Trapani, keepers of the wonders of north-western Sicily.

Limonaia: With a park within the property of 3000 square metres, in a fairly quiet area of ​​the fantastic Mondello, this splendid villa with a modern and Mediterranean taste is born. Its exquisite private swimming pool of 50 square metres is ready to give you moments of peace and freshness even in the hottest hours that enrich the Sicilian days. Its large and shady patio, adorned with armchairs and sofas, will give you great moments of carefree sharing whether you are with family or friends.

Lilla: Just 350 m from the famous beach of Mondello, this elegant residence is born with a well-kept garden of 1500 square metres and a Mediterranean taste in which there is a magnificent private swimming pool surrounded by palm trees, ficus and banana trees. Despite the proximity to one of the most popular beaches for international tourism, the property will give you moments of peace and privacy while immersed in the colours and scents of our beautiful Sicily.

Nerello Mascalese: Splendid country residence located on the slopes of the Etna volcano, very close to the characteristic town of Randazzo. With its 5 bedrooms, it is ready to welcome you whether you are with family or friends for a holiday of peace and quiet, detached from the chaos of the city. The residence has many shaded corners in which to relax and a delightful private swimming pool in which to cool off in the hottest hours and be able to observe the wonderful panorama over the hills of Eastern Sicily.

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Vecchia Dimora Resort: Wonderful residence that was born a few kilometers from the Etna Volcano Park, detached from the chaos of the city and the classic tourist circuits to give you the opportunity to breathe the pure and nostalgic Sicily of an aristocratic past. Villaetna is an aristocratic home that has been renovated with great taste and attention to detail to preserve its splendid Baroque architecture. With its fantastic private swimming pool surrounded by the green nature of eastern Sicily, it is ready to give you immense peace and tranquility but also an excellent starting point for exploring this delightful part of the island.