Carvaccata of vistiamara in Geraci Siculo

"A carvaccata di vistiamara", that is the Cavalcade of the Shepherds in honor of the SS. Sacramento, takes place on the third Sunday of July in Geraci Siculo. The big festival takes place every seven years, the next edition will take place in 2025, but every year, even if in a minor tone, the Shepherds celebrate the event both with a religious ceremony and with a traditional event that includes sounds, songs and tastings of typical dairy products of their exclusive production. For the occasion, "cavadduzzi and palummeddi" are prepared, that is, little horses and doves of caciocavallo, modeled by the hands of the shepherds.
It is an original form of thanksgiving and eternal gratitude for the particular sign of predilection shown by God towards the shepherds. It is also the reflection of that primordial patriarchal order that ruled the nomadic communities wandering with their herds through the woods of our island. Order in which the eldest is the most authoritative among the pastors, he was at the same time the head, the councilor, the priest of the entire community.

Dates and Scheduling

20 Jul 2025

07:30 Solemn ringing of the bells and bell-ringing from all the churches in the country;

09:00 Welcome by the Fanfare of the National Bersaglieri Association of Palermo;

11:00 Holy Mass, presided over by the Bishop, H.E.R. Mons. Giuseppe Marciante;
 Chiesa Madre S. Maria Maggiore

15:30 “A CARVACCATA DI VISTIAMARA”
Meeting of Shepherds on Horseback in Largo Angelmaro (at the home of the Treasurer of the Shepherds' Committee);
Ride in traditional costume along the streets of the town;
Conclusion of the Procession at the Dressage Field with delivery of gifts to the Bishop and final Eucharistic Blessing;

21:00 Holy Mass of Thanksgiving and Charity raffle;
 Chiesa Madre S. Maria Maggiore

22:00 Solemn ringing of bells from all the churches in the country.

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› What to see in Geraci Siculo

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