Coming to Italy, I was most excited to branch out and try new foods and local cuisine. As a former Instagram food blogger (underground account that only my close friends follow), it is fair to say that I really enjoy food, learning about the culture behind it and sharing this experience with others. This way they may come to appreciate this food too. On one of our class field trips, we had the opportunity to come to Palermo, Sicily and visit the Ballarò market, which is known for its Sicilian street food.

Upon entering Ballarò, I was immediately overwhelmed by the lively and chaotic atmosphere. Narrow pathways crammed with food stands, colorful tents, and the aromatic medley of freshly baked fish, herbs, and tomatoes created a sensory overload. Motorcyclists weaved through the crowds, while chefs yelled greetings to attract patrons to their stands. The experience was a whirlwind of sights, sounds, and smells, culminating in the moment I sank my teeth into a hot, fluffy piece of bread adorned with tomato sauce and fresh herbs. It felt like tasting a dish infused with the heart and soul of countless Sicilian ancestors. The market offered many culinary delights. From freshly squeezed orange juice, to fried octopus (Purpu vugghiuti), to chickpea flour fritters (Panelle), to veal intestine (Stigghiola), to snails (lumaca) sold by the kilogram, Ballarò truly had something for everyone. The diversity and richness in flavors captivated me.

To begin our food journey, we first stopped at a stand selling fresh bread with toppings, pizza, rice balls or “Arancina”, fried chickpea flour fritters (Panelle) and sesame cookies. The chef topped our pizza and bread from stems of fresh oregano wrapped in plastic. At this moment, I knew the food was going to be good. It just had that fresh and aromatic smell to it that I associate with quality food. The chef prepared our food right in front of us moving with haste and remaining energetic. He appeared to be proud of his concoctions and moved to the rhythm of the street. In this way, it felt like the market and streets themselves were breathing with energy and good vibes. While we were eating, another man down the street came dashing out of his tent with an octopus on each fist shaking them and yelling inaudible phrases as ongoers looked at the sea creatures with equal parts curiosity and disgust. This man was putting on a show and grabbing people’s attention so they would flock to his stand and see what he had to offer. Obviously, it worked because soon enough my attention was snatched and I was unknowingly drifting towards that stand. When I turned the corner, I was hit with the smell of fresh grilled fish and smoked meats. Following the ebb and flow of the market we then came upon a fruit stand that was squeezing fresh citrusy fruit into juice. They offered orange, pomegranate and lemon and we watched them press the juice right in front of us. Next, we tried some seafood which included fried octopus (Purpu Vugghiuti), small fried fish (Cicireddu) and fried calamari. I was also surprised by how affordable everything was for such fresh and what seemed like authentic

food. Apparently, the street market has its roots in making the most of available ingredients, often turning simple or leftover items into delicious and satisfying dishes. Additionally, I noticed that behind the tables, people were dancing, screaming and singing. The vendors’ lively personalities were mirrored in their unique, flavorful, and fascinating dishes.

This experience at Ballarò Market was more than just a culinary adventure; it was a lesson in appreciating the little things and venturing out to try new things. The vendors’ joyful attitudes were infectious, leaving me feeling light-hearted and free-spirited. It reminded me of the cliché signs you find in stores like Hobby Lobby, saying “life is short, dance in the kitchen.” While such quotes might seem cringeworthy, the vendors at Ballarò embodied this sentiment, living in the moment, dancing while cooking and cherishing life’s simple pleasures. This was impressive considering the vendors in the market probably live a simple life with a minimum living wage. It reminded me to appreciate the little things, like food that tastes good but also human connection and sharing joy with others. My visit to Ballarò Market in Palermo was a profound experience that extended beyond the food. It was a celebration of culture, human connection, and the joy of living in the moment. The market’s vibrant energy and the vendors’ infectious enthusiasm served as a powerful reminder to savor life’s simple joys, much like the flavorful dishes that had been crafted with love and tradition. If you ever find yourself in Sicily, a visit to Ballarò Market is a must, not just for the food, but for a taste of the true essence of Sicilian life.

-Jordan Brunson, Apparel Merchandising, ’25