MaryBeth Bonfiglio

MaryBeth Bonfiglio is a writer, mother, and ancestral arts catalyst. A 2nd generation Sicilian and Italian American, MaryBeth has a deep connection (obsession) with her culture. Growing up in upstate NY in an Italian American enclave (many of whom were all related from the Old Country) — she was raised saturated in the southern Italian American culture. Food, superstition, hand talking, generosity, passion, oracle, the Madonna, and fantastic curse words were impressed upon her development. Along with the obsession, came longing; an ache in her heart, a nostalgia for a place she never knew, but felt in her bones, in her blood. She’s has always felt compelled to gather people together to remember their ancestral wisdom — weaving, food, arts, plant medicine, storytelling, ritual, and the way their ancestors understood community/village/togetherness. Radici Siciliane was a dream she planted in Sicilian soil in 2016 — high in the Mountains at a sanctuary for the Madonna — and became a full blown reality in 2019. 

MaryBeth has written a memoir about being human, Siclian, and Americanized as well as a book of nature poetry. Her essays on food, culture and motherhood have been published in various outlets. When she’s not in Sicilia holding ancestral gatherings and cultural immersions, she teaches writing and runs an online ancestral wisdom school from her home in Upstate NY. She’s so excited to share an authentic, transformational, magical and healing Sicilian experiences with others. 

Francesco Ippolito 

Francesco is an artist, actor, photographer, community organizer and Radici Siciliane’s resident Magician.  He is also a licensed and insured travel designer and driver. In his hometown of Petralia Sottana, the gateway to the Madonie Mountains, he’s founded a community theater, teaches acting classes to youth all over Sicily, captures the beauty of his community with his camera and has worked as the Director of Photography for the stunning movie Le Stella Non Hanno Padroni (The Stars Have No Masters). He also runs Madonie Travel Services, which was born in tandem with Radici Siciliane.

Working with MaryBeth, Francesco has created the most authentic experiences for those who seek connection and desire to experience Sicily in the most genuine form. He has woven a community with the Madonie Mountains and all over the island with multigenerational artisans, experts, historians, mythologists, naturalist and of course— Nonne. Francesco has a powerful ability to connect with people and make beauty happen between communities.  He understands what those of Italian descent desire and he’s committed to offering that gift to clients in Sicilia. 

He’s  created a deeply rooted, moving, and fun experience with Radici Siciliane. Francesco is an expert in the every day profoundness of what it means to be Sicilian. He invites us to get our hands dirty, to eat more than we think we can imagine, and to experience the pleasures and delight of his culture. Francesco loves sharing his culture and creating lasting friendships and relationships with his clients. 

OUR SUPPORT TEAM

We also co-create with a variety of local hosts, community members, nonne and artists that welcome us into their environments. These humans will change your lives— as they embrace you like family and share with you their beloved ancestral wisdom.

We are so blessed and fortunate to have built real relationships with Sicilian cheesemakers, shepards, ceramists, pasticceri, nature guides, botanists, mythologists, weavers, basketmakers, healers, fishing ritualists, ancient amulet makers, bread makers, farmers, dancers, singers, drummers, accordion players, folklore specialists, keepers of the sacred manna, and tarot and oracle readers.

When you explore Sicily with Radici Siciliane, you are entering into a community that you will be connected with forever. Our passion is to intentionally and authentically curate experiences with these beautiful folks... to help bring more meaning and beauty into your lives.