About Author Author

Vito M. Pirri and Ann May-Pirri are more than just co-authors of Travelling Sicily: The Jewel of the Mediterranean. They are passionate explorers, cultural storytellers, and devoted ambassadors of Sicilian heritage.

Born and raised in Toronto, Canada, Vito is a proud second-generation Sicilian with deep family roots tracing back to the province of Messina. His grandfathers immigrated to Canada from Termini Imerese and San Filippo del Mela in the early 1900s, carrying with them the rich traditions, language, and values of Sicily. Vito grew up surrounded by newly arrived relatives from Messina, gaining a deep appreciation for the Sicilian dialect, customs, and close-knit family culture. Though he regrets never becoming fluent in Sicilian, his accent still reflects his heritage, often recognized when traveling through mainland Italy.

Ann, born in Sudbury, Ontario, shares Vito's love for travel. Since their retirement, Vito in 2016 and Ann in 2017, they've devoted their winters to searching the hidden gems of Sicily. With every visit, they dig deeper into the island's culture, history, and way of life, exploring one province at a time with curiosity and joy.