Sicilian folklore reminds as of ancient customs where the flashy colours of the island come out, the bright background of sunny villages, marine landscapes and country scenes. Songs, sing-songs, "barcarole", lullabies which are generally about aspect of everyday life - everything from fishing and farming to courtship and marriage. Costume is basic but colourful and musical instruments are unusual as for example the "marranzano", the "friscaletto" and the earthenware "quartara", a wind instrument used for the rhythmical support of certain types of music. Famous composers such as Bellini composed this kind of music which is always accompanied by dances, among which the "tarantella" prevails.

Island traditions, often connected to religious festivals such as Christmas, Easter and the Patron Saints' days, are deeply felt; Christmas Cribs are found all over the island, that of the cave of Acireale is very famous for its humansize figures. All these events are celebrated by the sound of the bagpipes, which local shepherds own and treasure. The celebration of Easter in Trapani, Caltanissetta, Enna, Messina, Piana degli Albanesi and in many other places, shows moments of great pathos. Historical traditions are revived through long processions which wind along towns and villages. People's participation is found everywhere during Patron Saints' festivals like Santa Rosalia in Palermo, Sant'Agata in Catania, Santa Lucia in Siracusa, San Calogero in Agrigento. Each of these festivals has its traditions, a legend to remember and it is worth while seeing them.