Medieval Festival in Randazzo

At the end of month of July, at nightfall, between alleys and squares the Middle Ages returns to Randazzo, with kings and queens, jugglers and flag-wavers, musicians and dancers. There Medieval Festival in Randazzo it's a big event, a parade which honors the memory of Queen Blanche of Navarre, involving locals and tourists in a great celebration in the square.

In the streets of the town, drummers and trumpet players warn the public that something important is about to happen: after commoners and soldiers, archers and knights, the court, the queen and the king arrive. The actors of this great historical re-enactment, wear traditional clothes with attention to every detail, just as if they had been sewn in the fifteenth century and the dances that enchant the spectators in the square are the original ones of the Sicilian tradition. This show also continues at the Medieval Tavern, while those who wish can go around the churches of Randazzo or visit the House of Music and Medieval Lutherie.

The history of the Medieval Festival in Randazzo

The Medieval Festival in Randazzo has become an unmissable event for thousands of people: since 1997, actors, musicians, dancers and costume designers have been meeting in Randazzo every year to recreate the magical atmosphere of the Middle Ages. The period chosen for the historical representation is that of the vicariate of Queen Bianca of Navarre, consort of King Martino the Younger, who arrived in Randazzo on 3 June 1411 to lead the town in the difficult period following the death of the sovereign.

The artistic and cultural event is organized by theSicularagonensia Association, which coordinates the activity of the many participating artists in collaboration with the Sicily Region, the City of Randazzo, the Pro Loco and the Sicilian Historical Federation.

When the Medieval Festival takes place in Randazzo

The Medieval Festival in Randazzo is held every year from 28 at the 30 July, starting at 18:30 and until midnight.

Where the Medieval Festival takes place in Randazzo

Randazzo is located in the Metropolitan City of Catania and is a municipality populated by about 10.000 people; the Festival takes place in the streets of the San Martin district, in the center.

What to do during the Medieval Festival in Randazzo and its surroundings

Discovering the story of Queen Bianca of Navarre also means discovering an important piece of the country's history: experiencing the magical atmosphere of the Medieval Festival, you will really feel like you are going back to the time when ladies and knights strolled through the alleys of the village. Have fun meeting these fantastic characters and take advantage of the Festival to learn about all the most ancient traditions of the village.

In the village, you can also taste the typical products of Sicilian cuisine, which in these parts are above all mushrooms, grilled meat and fresh homemade pasta, without forgetting the classic traditional desserts, such as ricotta cannolo.

Since the Medieval Festival does not start before 18 pm, during the day you will have plenty of time to visit the most beautiful attractions of the village, such as the many Churches of Randazzo, starting with the wonderful Randazzo Cathedral, Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta, built in the XIII century; continue the visit, arriving in the presence of Royal Palace, where Federico II also stayed and if you want to find out everything about the history of the village, don't forget to stop by the museums in the centre, from Paolo Vagliasindi Archaeological Museum at the Castle, al Civic Museum of Natural Sciences. At Museum of the Opera dei Pupi, instead, you will be able to discover one of the very famous traditions of the island, that of puppets, admiring the complete collection of 37 pieces, created in 1912 for the representation of the Chanson de Roland which the king also attended.

Not far from Randazzo, going up the northern side of theEtna up to 2030 metres, you can take aexcursion of Cave of the Frost, created in the seventeenth century following a volcanic eruption.

How is it possible to get to the Medieval Festival in Randazzo

Visitors who wish to reach Randazzo on the train, can get off at the Giarre-Riposto station, about 26 km from the town, then continuing the journey by bus or shuttle; visitors arriving with their own autoInstead, they can take the A18 Messina-Catania, taking the exit for Fiumefreddo (23 km from the centre) or the A20 Messina-Buonfornello, taking the exit for Falcone (28 km from the town).