Festive expressions in contexts of depopulation: Carnival in the Sicani area of Sicily

Abstract

Rural areas and small towns in Southern Italy are currently undergoing demographic transformation processes that impact the cultural life of communities. These structural processes of population decline, observed throughout the national territory, show even more significant effects in the inner areas: territories with limited access to public services and undergoing transformations in local economies, which have changed from traditional agricultural and craft-based production to technified agricultural practices, along with the expansion of the third sector, particularly in tourism. Cultural expressions historically rooted in the Sicani area in Sicily are affected in their social foundations due to this demographic decline. The Carnival is an example, a festive and secular event that is deeply felt by inhabitants, especially the younger generations. In the past in engaged the entire community and remains vivid in the memory of various age groups. Several interviews conducted in the Sicani area, specifically in the villages of Santo Stefano Quisquina, Bivona and Alessandria della Rocca, provide testimony to the significance, forms of interaction and communication and the dynamics of participation and artistic creation of Carnival, as well as the challenges this event faces in the current context of depopulation in the inner areas. The literature debate on the dichotomy between public and private space in the festive and performing events includes a brief historical analysis of the cultural practices surrounding Carnival in these three villages. Additionally, the paper analyses the role and content of ritual and creative elements present in these events: the allegory, the float, the costumes and the anthem. These elements are instruments for critical and artistic reflection for youth groups in these villages, where they express their concerns, reasoning, and expectations regarding the subject of depopulation.