Calia and Simenza

Street Food

Triquetra - CC3.0

Calia and Simenza is a typical Sicilian preparation, consisting of chickpeas and pumpkin seeds. It is prepared and consumed, both in summer and in winter, throughout Sicily on the occasion of patronal feasts and other important events and celebrations, such as local feasts or religious processions. Càlia is prepared by roasting chickpeas in Sicilian "caliannu" and then salting them. Simènza, on the other hand, is obtained from dried pumpkin seeds, which undergo the same preparation as calia. Usually, calia and simenza are sold by street traders who prepare them on the spot, and are then eaten on the street, still warm and crunchy. Even today, the stalls of calia and simenza are scattered throughout Sicily and represent real masterpieces: they are decorated with chivalrous-themed paintings, similar to those that decorate Sicilian carts. In the same stalls there are also other products, such as dried chestnuts called "cruzziteddi" because they resemble small skulls.