Rural feast of the Madonna della Provvidenza of Santa Caterina Villarmosa

The rural festival of the Madonna della Provvidenza di Santa Caterina Villarmosa (province of Caltanissetta) which takes place every year on first week of September , near a small country church, is a joyful and decidedly special event, a truly special occasion to relive the atmosphere of the games of the past which amused children and adults and which keep their charm unchanged.

It is a large country festival which includes an intense program of playful activities and eccentric tests of skill whose winners are gratified by the applause of the large public who also come in large numbers from the neighboring municipalities and by gratifying prizes.

The rural festival of the Madonna della Provvidenza of Santa Caterina Villarmosa is therefore made up of games with an ancient flavor such as: the antenna, a long pole along which the courageous participants climb to reach the picturesque and coveted rewards; the pignatuna, terracotta vases to be broken with sticks and which, once shattered, reveal captivating surprises; cuccagna, a fun balancing game that consists of passing, without falling, through a triangular-shaped structure approximately three meters long that rotates on 2 poles.

The party lasts four days in which many games follow one another up to the spectacular final event, the horse (du cavaddru, as they say in the local dialect). On the night of the last day of the celebration, the many firecrackers that decorate the simulacrum of a horse are set on fire, made with skilful weaving of reeds and richly caparisoned, with bright and intense colours, like the animals pulling the colorful and delicious carts, symbol of Sicily and known throughout the world.

The reed horse is ridden by a rider who skilfully mimes the movements of trotting and running following the notes of traditional music. A truly unusual show that amazes spectators and leaves them breathless.

At the end of the cheerful four days of celebration, sensational fireworks light up the night in the countryside of Santa Caterina Villarmosa almost like day.

The history of the Feast of Our Lady of Providence of Santa Caterina di Villarmosa

The country church near which the games take place, located a few hundred meters from the town centre, dates back to the beginning of the XNUMXth century and is dedicated to the Madonna della Provvidenza.

The chronicles of the time tell of a large animal fair, established by decree of the king, which was among the most important on the whole island and which was connected to a festival that was a precursor to the one celebrated in the current way.

An event, therefore, that has ancient origins and whose traditions are repeated, year after year, always with the same passion and desire for escape of the organizers and participants.

Until the 900s, the rural festival lasted only one day and always took place on Sunday. Subsequently, given the great success, it was decided to extend its duration.

When the rural festival of the Madonna della Provvidenza of Santa Caterina di Villarmosa takes place

The festival takes place in the first week of September and, as already mentioned, lasts four days. The last one coincides with the first Sunday of the month.

Where the Feast of Our Lady of Providence of Santa Caterina di Villarmosa takes place

The festival is held in the municipality of Santa Caterina di Villarmosa which is located just over 600 meters above sea level at the foot of the hill of S. Anna. The origins of the municipality date back to the end of the sixteenth century.

In the surroundings of Santa Caterina there are: the Contrada Scaleri Geological Reserve made up of 12 hectares of extraordinary karstic rock structures and splendid vegetation in which it is possible to admire the anacamptys pyramidalis, a very rare orchid; and the Phoenician archaeological site of Cozzo Scavo.

Also in September, the 25th, in the municipality of Nisseno yes celebrates the patron saint Catherine.

What to do during the rural festival of the Madonna della Provvidenza of Santa Caterina di Villarmosa

In addition to participating in and assisting in skill tests and many games, during the festival you can taste and appreciate the local dishes ; from boiled chickpeas with broad beans alla cuccia (boiled wheat with ricotta cheese, chocolate, candied fruit and flavored with cinnamon), from muffoletti (small sandwiches typical of parties and stuffed according to personal taste), to grilled meats accompanied by excellent local wine .

The numerous stalls, arranged around the large area where the games take place, exhibit objects of the precious local craftsmanship. In addition to the colorful and original ceramics typical of the province of Caltanissetta, it is possible to admire and buy the traditional pipes in tree heather and the precious laces, works of the renowned embroidery artists of Santa Caterina.

How to get to Santa Caterina di Villarmosa, to attend the feast of Our Lady of Providence

From Caltanissetta, Santa Caterina di Villarmosa can be reached by car along the SS 122 bis for approximately 19 km (less than half an hour's journey), or via the SP 44 (18 kilometers' journey). From the A19 motorway (Palermo-Catania), exit at Ponte Cinque Archi (approximately 8 km from the final destination).

For those arriving by train, the reference station is Caltanissetta, connected to Santa Caterina di Villarmosa by bus and shuttle services.