Today we are telling you about one of the most heartfelt and important folk festivals and traditions in the province of Ragusa, an event we also had the chance to experience this year.
Among the rocky hills of the Val di Noto, in Scicli, takes place the Cavalcata di San Giuseppe (St. Joseph’s Cavalcade).

An Ancient Tradition

Every year, on the Saturday closest to March 19th, the feast day of St. Joseph, a special floral celebration featuring magnificent decorated horses takes place in Scicli. The Cavalcata di San Giuseppe is a very ancient festival and, in 2011, it was included in the register of UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage traditions.

Floral Horse Decorations

This event requires several months of preparation, during which groups of artisans begin working on the “manti”, the elaborate floral coverings the horses will wear during the parade.

The decorators, of different ages and gathered in groups, carry out meticulous work. In the months leading up to the festival, they create lightweight metal structures and designs which, in less than two days before the celebration, are covered with colorful flowers carefully glued onto the frames following the patterns of the drawings. In addition to the main frame, the decoration also includes the breastplate and headpiece, both completely covered in flowers.

Symbols and Folklore

The flower mainly used to decorate the coverings is the wallflower, known in local dialect as “u balucu”; while the lower parts are decorated with the green leaves of the “spatulidda”.

The designs depict the Holy Family and the Flight into Egypt, sacred symbols recalling both Catholic and local traditions: angels, chalices, hosts, Baroque decorations, and views of the local area.

These floral decorations are true works of art that last only a few days; once the flowers wither, the designs disappear.

The Festival in the Historic Center

Devotees of all ages, together with the riders accompanying the decorated horses, wear traditional costumes and, throughout the festival, shout together: «Patrià, Patrià, Patriaaaarca!!!».

In the different neighborhoods, “pagghiari” (bonfires) are lit to illuminate the parade route and as a good omen for abundant harvests. Braziers are also lit so people can gather outdoors and enjoy food together.

The cavalcade begins at the Church of St. Joseph and continues through the streets of the historic center, passing by the most important churches of Scicli. It is also a competition among the various groups, ending with the award ceremony for the most beautiful horse decoration chosen by a jury.

Flavors and Traditions

Like all Sicilian festivals, this celebration is also a moment of conviviality and an opportunity to enjoy local specialties such as “Cucciddati” (ring-shaped bread), a rustic recipe typical of Scicli, delicious warm ricotta cheese, and the traditional sound of the “Friscaletti” (small whistles) handmade by a local artisan.

A folk festival that enchants everyone — adults and children alike, locals as well as travelers from all over the world.

We look forward to welcoming you to Scicli to experience this magical tradition made of faith, art, color, folklore, music, and delicious food!