Ancient Historical Rose Pageant

A Renaissance re-enactment in the heart of the Catania area

The Ancient Historical Rose Pageant is the premier historical re-enactment event in San Gregorio di Catania, a municipality in the metropolitan city of Catania, Sicily. Established in 1996, the event commemorates the glory of the Paternò family (the Massa, Dukes of Paternò), who ruled the San Grigoli district during the 16th century, transporting the village back to the atmosphere of the Sicilian Renaissance.

Allegorical floats and the procession

The most iconic moment is the parade of allegorical floats, lavishly decorated with roses of every color and variety, depicting scenes of daily life, myths, legends, and historical episodes linked to the territory. On the steps of the Town Hall in Piazza Marconi, the town's notables make their appearance: first the representatives of the noble Massa family, Dukes of Paternò, followed by the Field Notary, the Greyhound Keeper, the Feudal Congregations, and then mounted knights, men-at-arms, vassals, and jugglers.

The Jousting Tournament

The competitive heart of the day is the Paternò Jousting Tournament: five knights, representing their respective districts, compete by attempting to strike targets with their lances along the course, under the watchful eyes of the spectators and noble families. The competition awards victory to the most skilled district and provides one of the most anticipated moments of the festival.

Costumes, fire, and tradition

The Renaissance costumes are crafted with great care by local seamstresses under the guidance of Angelo Butera, representing authentic works of art that have been featured in numerous re-enactments across the peninsula. The event is enriched by fire shows, flag-wavers, musicians, and pyrotechnic displays, which conclude the day by transforming the historic center into an open-air stage.

An identity-defining event

Organized by the Municipality of San Gregorio di Catania together with the Pro San Gregorio Association, the Ancient Historical Rose Pageant is much more than a parade: it is the living story of a village's identity that, on the slopes of Mount Etna and just a few kilometers from Catania, proudly preserves the memory of its noble past. Admission is free, and the event attracts visitors from across the province every year.