Sicilian wagon

Sicilian wagon

A Sicilian wagon (called in Italy “carretto Siciliano” and in Sicily - “carrettu Sicilianu” or simply “carretti” ) is a richly decorated traditional Sicilian wagon drawn by a horse or donkey .

The first carts were brought to the island by the ancient Greeks ; they received the greatest popularity only in the 1920s . They are used to transport various goods (food, wine, wood) and people, in which case they are called Carretto del Lavoro , as well as for various celebrations such as weddings and parades, and in this case they are called Carretto de Gara . Mostly horses are harnessed to transport passengers to the wagon, and donkeys and mules are used to transport goods. ^[one]

The wagon itself is made of wood by hand and has two wheels. The craftsmen carve various traditional patterned reliefs on the tree, and also use iron and other materials in the decoration. Artists paint the cart with historical and folklore scenes. Also in the painting a large place is given to yellow and red flowers, which are the main ones on the flag of Sicily . Moreover, each province of Sicily has its own style of making carts. Animals harnessed to the wagon are usually also brightly decorated.

Miniature carts are very popular among tourists, and they can be found in almost all souvenir shops of the island. The Sicilian Wagon Museum is located in the town of Terrazini in the province of Palermo .

The tradition of richly decorating the carts over time passed to three-wheeled motor vehicles called lapa , which are currently very popular in Italy .