There’s an old saying in Palermo: “Se, quannu i balati ra Vucciria s’asciucano”. It loosely translates into: “Sure, let’s touch base again once the Vucciria’s walls are dry”. This saying indicates something that will hardly ever happen.
Here’s why and how it started.
Let’s visit the Vucciria Market with The Sicilian Wanderer
The origins of this saying are here, in this market called Vucciria, one of the oldest in Palermo and in Sicily, with a unique style and bright colours.
The Vucciria Market had a central role in the city, it had a big economic and social importance for centuries.
The vendors used to throw copious amounts of water on their products to keep them fresh and save them from the heat.
They used so much water that the market was never actually dry, day or night.
Hence the saying.
If you’re ever in Palermo and you don’t feel like going out, don’t be afraid of letting your friends down, just say “Sure, I’ll see you when the Vucciria’s walls are dry.”
They’ll understand.
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