Feast of the Madonna del Monte in Racalmuto

The Festa di Maria SS.ma del Monte in Racalmuto is traditionally celebrated in the month of July and represents one of the most characteristic and beautiful festivals in the whole area.
Several moments rich in faith and folklore characterize the festival: the traditional cart pulled by oxen, the historic procession, the festively caparisoned horses and the solemn procession of the simulacrum of the Virgin.
The traditional procession of the simulacrum of the Madonna placed on the cart pulled by oxen, a representation that recalls the entry of the statue of the Virgin into Racalmuto. The procession is followed by the re-enactment of the coming of the Madonna and the passage of the knights on horseback.
Another rich moment full of folklore and faith is the pigliata di lu ciliu, that is, the taking of the candle, where a group of middle-class bachelors compete for the flag that covers a candle with the image of the Madonna placed on a high wooden tower.
Another characteristic moment of the festival it is the day of the prummisiuni, i.e. the offerings donated by the faithful and carried on foot or on horseback to the sanctuary. Particularly folkloristic is the climb undertaken by the festively caparisoned horses, incited by the crowd of faithful, which traveled the entire staircase leading to the Sanctuary of Maria SS.ma del Monte.
During the festivities there is also a historical procession which recalls the entry into the town of Prince Gioieni, in which the del Carretto family, the Lords of Racalmuto, and the princes of Castronovo di Sicilia take part , twin city.
The culminating moment of the festivities is the solemn procession of the simulacrum of Maria SS.ma del Monte.
Many other events, such as musical and entertainment shows, are organized every year during the festivities.

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