Palio of the Assumption in San Marco d'Alunzio

Il Palio of the Assumption in San Marco d'Alunzio a medieval reenactment to retrace the history of a old village.

The Palio of the Assumption in San Marco d'Alunzio tells about the settlement in town of Count Filingieri. The celebration alongside the liturgical rites which testify to the devotion of the count and the population to Madonna of the Assumption proposes theancient palio, flea market and parade in period costumes to reconstruct the magic of the Middle Ages.

The description of the Palio of the Assumption in San Marco d'Alunzio

The Palio dell'Assunta is a historical-medieval re-enactment that commemorates the arrival in the town of the Count of San Marco, Riccardo Filingeri or Filangieri. The event begins with the announcement of the town crier, immediately afterwards the knights of San Marco gather in one of the most important squares in the town, while the archers compete for the palio. Together knights and archers pay homage to the Madonna in the square in front of it Church of S. Maria dei Poveri.

Il Palio of the Assumption it is a celebration that involves the whole community, in fact many organize a medieval market with typical products of the area and in the streets and squares of the historic center the flag-wavers throw the banners into the air. The musicians with the typical rhythmic sound of trumpets and drums accompany the procession of ladies and knights which welcomes the arrival of Count Filingieri, the Countess and the Royal Delegate at San Marco d'Alunzio.

After the meeting all the participants gather in the Aracoeli Church for the blessing of the palio and the procession of the Madonna Assunta. In fact, the faithful carry the simulacrum of the Virgin through the streets of the town, while the fireworks announce the conclusion of the celebration which ends with period songs and dances.

The linked history of the Palio dell'Assunta

On 31 July 1453 Count Riccardo, a leading exponent of the Filingieri family of Norman origin, he became the first Count of San Marco with the investiture of the Archbishop of Palermo. The following day, the hamlets of Mirto, Belmonte, Frazzanò, Mirtino, Capri di Suso, Capri di Juso and Pietra di Ruma were also assigned to the Sicilian nobleman with the same religious ceremony. The count enters the country, takes possession of his new territories and celebrate the event with a special thanks to the Virgin and with songs and dances for the people. Thus begins the tradition of the Palio dell'Assunta which the Aluntini still honor today in memory of their history.

When the Palio dell'Assunta takes place in San Marco d'Alunzio

The event takes place every year on August 15th, the day on which Our Lady of the Assumption is celebrated.

Where the Palio dell'Assunta takes place in San Marco d'Alunzio

The Palio of the Assumption in San Marco d'Alunzio involves the Old Town of the country. In fact, the event begins with the gathering of the knights in Piazza Aracoeli, while the archers compete for the prize in Piazza Scipione Rebiba. In Piazza Aluntina the musicians perform songs and dances of the time and in the churchyard of the Mother Church there are some historical-medieval re-enactments that take students and tourists back in time.

What to do during the event in San Marco d'Alunzio

The Palio dell'Assunta attracts many tourists who are fascinated by San Marco d'Alunzio. In fact, the town is a village that has a very ancient history, its Greek origins are testified by the remains of the Temple of Hercules, erected in the XNUMXth century BC

However, the phase of greatest splendor was the Middle Ages when the town, due to its strategic position, became a stronghold against the Saracens. In fact, in 1061 Robert Guiscard, supreme leader of the Normans, had a castle built on the highest fortress of San Marco. castle. The remains of the fortification are today the symbol of the village. Among the sacred buildings of the country one of the most interesting is the Mother Church of San Nicola, known for its red marble portals and several works of art expression of Sicilian baroque.

How to get to the historic center of San Marco d'Alunzio

From Messina take the A20 from Viale Boccetta and continue for about 80 km towards the SP156 and exit at Rocca di Capri Leone. Take the SS113 in the direction of Vico Ferrolaro in San Marco d'Alunzio.