Castel di Lucio
| Castel di Lucio | |
|---|---|
| Comune | |
| Comune di Castel di Lucio | |
  Castel di Lucio | |
| Coordinates: 37°53′N 14°19′E / 37.883°N 14.317°ECoordinates: 37°53′N 14°19′E / 37.883°N 14.317°E | |
| Country | Italy |
| Region | Sicily |
| Province | Province of Messina (ME) |
| Area | |
| • Total | 28.4 km2 (11.0 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 753 m (2,470 ft) |
| Population (Dec. 2004) | |
| • Total | 1,477 |
| • Density | 52/km2 (130/sq mi) |
| Demonym | Castelluccesi |
| Time zone | CET (UTC+1) |
| • Summer (DST) | CEST (UTC+2) |
| Postal code | 98070 |
| Dialing code | 0921 |
Castel di Lucio (Sicilian: Castel di Luciu) is a comune (municipality) in the Province of Messina in the Italian region Sicily, located about 90 km southeast of Palermo and about 110 km southwest of Messina. As of 31 December 2004, it had a population of 1,477 and an area of 28.4 km².[1]
Castel di Lucio borders the following municipalities: Geraci Siculo, Mistretta, Nicosia, Pettineo, San Mauro Castelverde.
This small provincial mountain town located about two hours from Palermo is mostly agricultural based. They mainly farm seasonal crops, raise livestock, and most are subsistent farmers. One traditional food is the sharp provolone cheese made fresh by local farmers and celebrated throughout the region. Coupled with the agricultural economy is the diverse ethnicities that make up the town. Collectively the people are known as Casteluccesse, but if you take a closer look the people are as diverse as any melting pot. At various times throughout history civilizations from around the globe have left there mark. From the nomadic Vikings to the conquering Romans Castel di Lucio is riddled with diversity. Later the Arabs and the Spanish Bourbins controlled the tiny island mountain town. A selection of blonde haired blue-eyed citizens coupled with dark skinned brown-eyed ones dawn the city streets. Overwhelmingly Catholic the patron saint of Castel di Lucio is San Placido. San Placido is charged with protecting the town and keeping its citizens safe from harm. Every year on October 5th, the town celebrates with mass, a full town parade, drinking, eating, and worshipping. Though the actual celebration is in October, an August celebration is held for tourist reasons. During the summer the town swells from about 1500 people to nearly 10,000.