Cabrera Fest – Medieval Village

A journey through time between the Middle Ages and the Risorgimento

Cabrera Fest is the premier historical re-enactment event in Pozzallo, a seaside town in the province of Ragusa, in the far south of Sicily. Its uniqueness lies in telling not just one, but two eras fundamental to the local identity, summarized in the subtitle «Two eras, one story»: on one hand, the Middle Ages of the court of the Catalan nobleman Bernardo Cabrera, and on the other, the 19th-century Risorgimento linked to the family of the Tedeschi-Polara Marquises.

The Torre Cabrera and the origins of Pozzallo

The festival is deeply rooted in the city's history. The Torre Cabrera, built around 1429 and now a National Monument, along with the ancient medieval loading dock, made Pozzallo an important Mediterranean commercial hub between the 14th and 15th centuries. The event builds its narrative around this past, restoring the memory of the town's origins to citizens and visitors while strengthening the bond with the territory.

The historical village in the Villa Comunale

The heart of the festival is the Villa Comunale, where a true historical village comes to life. Amidst costumed performers, meticulously detailed settings, and encampments, the public can experience the atmosphere of the past firsthand: tournaments, combat demonstrations, ancient crafts, tastings of hippocras (the spiced medieval drink), and activities dedicated to children.

The historical pageant through the city center

The most anticipated moment is the grand historical pageant which, starting from Piazza della Rimembranza, travels through the city streets to reach the Villa Comunale. The parade unites the two eras and showcases the court of the Cabreras with musicians, flag-wavers, and jugglers, in an engaging spectacle for spectators of all ages. Past editions have featured numerous re-enactment groups, including the Compagnia del Carrubo and the Compagnia «La Girandola».

Shows, dances, and culture

The Cabrera Fest program combines re-enactment with entertainment: shows, dances, games, and performances animate the evenings, accompanied by exhibitions dedicated to period costumes and artifacts. It is a well-rounded cultural project designed for history enthusiasts as well as families, tourists, and curious visitors who wish to discover Pozzallo and its province in a fresh and evocative way.