21st Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest People
Ephemeral Freedom

Ephemeral Freedom tells the story of the everyday life of the Caminanti, an ethnic minority stationed in eastern Sicily. “Caminanti”, derives from the Sicilian term “camminanti”, which it means “the walkers”. Their past was characterized by nomadism, to date some trace of their history remains thanks to the balloons; the "invisible" group sell the balloons in the evening at the patronal feasts around eastern Sicily, while during the day they live almost in the shadow of the courtyard of Noto. The balloon is a visual metaphor of their daily life, its symbolism represents the ephemeral freedom of their condition.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 09.2020
Date Uploaded: 10.2023
Photo Location: Noto, Italy
Camera: X100V
Copyright: © Arianna Todisco