Sicilian Celebration to honor culture Saturday in Abbeville

Sicilians have played an important role in the culture of Abbeville and Vermilion Parish.
This Saturday, the community will celebrate Sicilian culture.
The Sicilian Celebration is scheduled for Saturday, March 21, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Sam Guarino Blacksmith Shop Museum and Heritage Center, 304 S. State Street, Abbeville. Admission is free.
The official opening begins at 11:30 a.m. with performances of the U.S. and Sicilian anthems.
Cooking teams will prepare authentic Sicilian and Italian entrees, with samples available for purchase at noon for $1 each.
As with many Acadiana festivals, the Sicilian Celebration features a unique commemorative poster each year. When the festival began in 2019, the poster served primarily as an event flyer.
In 2022, the posters began to feature prominent Sicilian men who contributed to the settlement of Vermilion Parish. These individuals were highlighted from 2022 to 2025.
This year, organizers chose to highlight significant Sicilian women for the first time. Edith Russo asked, “Why don’t we honor the women?” As a result, nine women are being recognized.
The 2026 poster features photos of women under the heading, “The Women Behind The Men.”
The women are: Rosa Guarino Russo (1988-1971), Theresa Garbo Russo (1865-1936), Katherine Corrado Piazza (1893-1979), Josephine Russo Greco (1900-1991), Josephine Scalisi (1892-1977), Rosa Russo Campisi (1887-1969), Caroline Corrado Russo (1899-1975), Jennie Guarino (1894-1995), and Guiseppina Corrado (1872-1932).
“Some of these women dealt with hard times en route to America,” said Janice Macomber. “They had to stay below deck for two weeks. It was amazing they survived the journey.”
Posters will be available for purchase at the celebration for $15 each.
In addition to the cooking contest, the event will offer museum tours, a blacksmith demonstration, a photo booth, live music, and imported wine and beer for purchase. Cookbooks and souvenirs will also be available.