Lady of the Castles of Sicily

"Between the Nebrodi and Madonie mountains lies Sperlinga, a charming village in the province of Enna, famous for its extraordinary medieval castle, unique in its kind. Dominating the town from above, the fortress is entirely excavated from a single sandstone monolith and stands over ancient caves and places of worship dating back over 4,000 years. Partially constructed by carving a gigantic mass of sandstone and partially built on the same rock around the year 1000, the castle of Sperlinga represents the only example of rock castle in Sicily. In this scenario of great historical and landscape charm takes place the Historical Parade of the Lady of the Castles of Sicily, a reenactment that retraces the medieval history of Sperlinga and the Sicilian communities whose lives revolved around ancient fortifications. Delegations from numerous towns across the island, united by significant testimonies of the past, parade through the streets of the village to promote the historical and cultural heritage of Sicily. The parade, enriched by the participation of flag-wavers, musicians, jesters, and costumed performers, culminates in the spaces at the foot of the impressive castle, where shows and representations inspired by the Middle Ages are set up. The event attracts thousands of visitors each year and involves up to twenty-seven Sicilian towns, each represented by its historical entourage. The event constitutes not only an important tool for promoting tourism in Sperlinga but also a precious moment for cultural dissemination. The noble families that marked the history of various territories are symbolically reunited under the Castle, giving rise to a striking parade that celebrates the historical identity of Sicily. Among the figures evoked, the Norman characters of Roger I and Bohemond stand out, protagonists of the island's medieval history. On the occasion of the European Year of the Normans, additional Norman figures will be represented within the parade. The event concludes with the presentation of the ancient noble families represented by the various participating towns, with significant events being recalled. Among the ladies parading in historical costume, the Lady of the Castles of Sicily is finally crowned, symbolizing the event. For years, this appointment has represented an essential stop in the circuit of Sicilian medieval castles, distinguished by its strong cultural value. Within the scope of collateral initiatives, study meetings, conferences, and moments dedicated to enhancing the linguistic and literary traditions of the Gallo-Italian communities of Sicily are organized. Poets and writers from the centers where this ancient dialect is still alive compete in poetic contests and challenges in verse, contributing to the safeguarding of a highly valuable intangible heritage. The event also offers the opportunity to discover and taste the enogastronomic excellences of the territory, through products and recipes that tell the story and identity of the Sicilian hinterland. Through these initiatives, the aim is to promote the image of Sperlinga and enhance its extraordinary architectural features, consolidating the role of the village as one of the main cultural and tourist hubs of the Sicilian hinterland and as a point of reference for the protection and dissemination of the island's historical traditions." **Practical Information:** For everyone Free [Contacts](mailto:lopinzino@virgilio.it)