A Parade of harnessed Horses, Sicilian traditions and gastronomic delights. Folklore, Devotion and Seafood Flavors in an event celebrating Sicilian culture!
Two Events that combine Religious Devotion, Sicilian Folklore (with harnessed horses and the procession) and Seafood Gastronomy
On the occasion of the Feast of St. Joseph, the Cavalcata di San Giuseppe, a suggestive Parade of Festively adorned horses, is held in the municipalities of Scicli and Donnalucata (Fraction of Scicli).
In Scicli it usually takes place on the weekend before March 19th (the feast of St. Joseph) with a three-day celebration of lively streets, markets, and illuminations while in Donnalucata it takes place a week earlier but on a smaller scale (preview).
In addition, Donnalucata, coinciding with the Cavalcata di San Giuseppe, also hosts the Cuttlefish Festival (also known as “Gusto Mare Nero”), a gastronomic celebration of fish.
Typical Program
Cavalcade of St. Joseph
This is a colorful equestrian parade that recalls the Holy Family’s flight into Egypt, with horses adorned with woven floral cloaks on jute and Sicilian carts.
It includes a preliminary gathering, parades, folk music and evening processions with traditional bonfires (pagghiari).
The Cavalcata di Scicli
is considered the original and oldest (of ancient origin, with medieval roots linked to propitiatory rites for the harvest and devotion to the Saint).
One of the most evocative and unique folkloristic events in southeastern Sicily.
It represents the Holy Family’s “Flight into Egypt” with horses adorned with true floral works of art (cloaks of wallflowers and other flowers), a parade through the baroque historic center of Scicli that draws tourists.
The Donnalucata Cavalcade
is beautiful and deeply felt locally (it celebrates the patron saint of the seaside village), but it is explicitly presented as a preview or “derivative” version of the Scicli Cavalcade.
Held the weekend before the Scicli Festival (usually the Saturday before), it follows the same format (flower-bedecked horse parade, award ceremony for harnesses, festive atmosphere), but is smaller in size.
It is often combined with the Cuttlefish Festival, making it a very enjoyable double event.
Cuttlefish Festival Donnalucata
The Black Fish Festival (Taste Black Sea) is held simultaneously on the waterfront, with tastings of Arancini al nero, pasta, and main courses prepared by local chefs.
WHEN
These events usually take place every year around March 19th
Free Entry
For information, dates, and event schedules, visit the website listed at the end of the article
The events listed may be subject to change or cancellation.
It is always advisable to check in advance to confirm the event and dates
Feast of St. Joseph
Donnalucata and Scicli
(Ragusa)
Sicily – Italy
Website info (Comune di Scicli)
Facebook page (Scicli)
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