Consul General Countryman Visits Sicily

May 16-17, 2019

Joe Di Maggio, Lady Gaga, Frank Sinatra and Frank Zappa were among the many famous Americans the city of Noto paid tribute to at its famous “Infiorata,” a flower festival taking place every spring in the historic center of the Sicilian baroque town.

After meeting with Mayor of Noto Corrado Bonfanti, Consul General Mary Ellen Countryman inaugurated the 40th edition of the event with its main theme “Sicilians in America” reflected in all flower compositions displayed along the main street Via Nicolaci. “To see all these American flags along the streets of this town is a great honor for me, and a great pleasure” she said during the inauguration of the Fine Arts Academy’s exhibit featuring Sicilian immigrants in the U.S. “These images remind us of the strong and long-standing friendship between Sicilians and Americans. “With a long history dating back to the Allied landing in Sicily in 1943 – she added – even today our excellent relationship is based on shared values, commercial ties, educational and academic exchanges, tourism, and cultural events like the one we’re inaugurating today.”

As part of the same trip, Consul General Countryman also visited Catania where she met with Mayor Salvo Pogliese to express her appreciation for the city’s continued support and friendship towards the American communities in Sicily.