If you plan to go to Sicily, holidays with friends or family can be a delight. But it’s definitely worth taking the time to study good manners – local style. After all, making new friends and impressing the locals with your actions can go a long way toward enjoying all the island has to offer.
Start with a firm but not constrictive handshake. This is a good rule of thumb to remember when meeting Italians for the first time. Strike a balance between enough pressure to make the other party feel recognized, but not enough pressure to feel pain or to feel some kind of challenge. Remember to smile and look the person you are shaking hands with.
Respect the conservative mindset. This Italian island is quite conservative, with a strong Catholic sensibility instilled in the mindset of the locals. You don’t have to agree with everything, but remember to respect the beliefs they hold. Dress modestly, be courteous and put aside your strongest convictions while in Sicily. Holidays are meant to be laid back, so don’t bring any preconceptions in your luggage!
Avoid drastic hand gestures while speaking. Italians are virtuous with hand gestures and Sicilians are no exception. But what may be an innocent gesture, like making a big circle with outstretched hands or signing the OK sign with your thumb and forefinger, could mean completely different things to the locals. In the examples above, you would be inviting a fight with the big circular gesture while the OK sign implies that you are gay.
Match the driving speed of other drivers. There is little tolerance for driving slowly or leaving more than five feet of space between you and the car in front. Try to match the speed of the vehicles around you, especially on the roads, or you will be honked for taking your time. But obviously stay safe and don’t stretch or go beyond your driving capabilities.
Avoid purple, black, and red gifts for locals. These colors are taboo and not many tourists realize this aspect in Sicily. The holidays can be a time to give small gifts to hospitable locals you may meet, but purple is frowned upon because it symbolizes Julius Caesar’s takeover; black is reserved for funeral services; and red is a color that symbolizes scandal (especially when it comes to flowers). Beware.
Wipe off excess sauce with your bread. You can make quite a few minor culinary mistakes on your first visit to Sicily! The holidays will naturally see you eating out a lot and the etiquette for dining here can be quite complex. But one thing you can do to show the chef or host that you appreciate and enjoy their efforts is to clean the sauce from your food with the bread. It may seem rude, but in fact it is the best compliment.
Chat at the dinner table, but not while eating. Speaking of food, it is considered rude to keep talking when the words Buon appepetito are spoken. You are expected to respect the food in front of you by focusing on it and savoring the flavors rather than chatting with others.