Ancient Fair of the Castle in Mussomeli

Every year in the splendid setting of Mussomeli Castle the Antica Fiera takes place, an event dedicated to livestock and agricultural equipment which however also offers much more. Here's everything you need to know about this particular fair.

Description of the Ancient Castle Fair

The Ancient Fair of Mussomeli Castle is an annual event dedicated to the agricultural world and livestock. It takes place, however, in conjunction with the Festa della Madonna of the Castle , therefore the mere display of animals and tools for agricultural work is overlapped with processions in medieval costume, moments dedicated to food and wine, shows of flag-wavers, musicians and jugglers and much more. Precisely for this reason the event manages to attract an extremely heterogeneous audience as there are both operators in the sector who are interested in purchasing livestock and discovering technological and modern tools for cultivation and furnishing, and people who instead want to take part in the Historical reconstruction which closes this three-day event which takes place at the foot of the Mussomeli castle.

As regards, however, the festival dedicated to the Madonna del Castello, is organized inside the fortress stables which are used as a sacred place and within which some religious functions are also celebrated. The party ends with the performance of master stokers who try their hand at beautiful fireworks and an evocative bonfire that is made inside the castle courtyard.

The history linked to the Ancient Castle Fair

The fair has a very ancient history as it was established in 1912 at the behest of Adolfo Mussolini . Initially it was simply supposed to be an event dedicated to the rural world, during which it was possible to do business between operators, with the exchange of goods, animals and agricultural products. Since September 2nd in Sicily is also celebrated Madonna of the Chains , protector of the castle of Mussomeli, then the livestock fair soon took on religious and mystical characteristics, with holy celebrations and the organization of various types of shows. The event was organized every year, with the sole exception of some editions which were canceled due to war events or other cataclysms.

When the Ancient Castle Fair takes place in Mussomeli

The event dedicated to livestock, which is one of the oldest and most popular in Italy and Europe, is organized every year in conjunction with the feast of the Madonna, between the end of August and the first of September. The calendar is published well in advance on the website of the municipal administration, promoter and organizer of the event, given that they also want to give exhibitors time to organize themselves for the preparation of their stands.

Where the Ancient Mussomeli Castle Fair takes place

Obviously the Ancient Fair of Mussomeli Castle it could only take place near the fortress itself which dates back to around 1300. In particular, the part dedicated to the rural event is held right outside the castle, in the rural area which in ancient times was entrusted to the farmers who were under the protection of the lord of the castle.
Even today, that remains the area used for this event. The historical celebrations for the Madonna, however, take place inside the castle as the focus of the celebration is organized in the old stables. Finally, i fireworks are fired on the top of the walls while the final bonfire it is held inside the courtyard of the castle itself. It is, therefore, a very complete event that involves a large part of the territory and requires a year of preparation for its organization.

What to do during the Ancient Mussomeli Castle Fair

From what has been said so far, it is clear that there are many things that can be done during the Mussomeli Castle festival, even very different ones, to please a truly heterogeneous audience. For example, operators in the sector will be able to participate in workshop and round tables on technical topics, given that every year the event is dedicated to a particular theme: in the 2021 edition the in-depth analysis was dedicated to beef and its properties. The event is also an important opportunity for the promotion of local gastronomic products, so visitors will undoubtedly be able to taste the many specialties which are prepared for the occasion. Finally there are the historical parades and in costume which are held throughout the three days of celebration.

How to get to the Ancient Castle Fair in Mussomeli

To reach Mussomeli by train it is possible to leave from either Palermo or Agrigento, choosing the regional one with a stop at Acquaviva-Casteltermini.

By car, however, both from Palermo and Agrigento the road to take is state road 189 while for those coming from Catania the provincial road is number 23. The city of Catania is also the closest airport, that of Fontanarossa.
Once in the city, you can reach the area dedicated to the fair with your own car or with local public transport, following the signs for the castle.