Dame in Sella

An all-female equestrian parade

Dame in Sella is one of the most distinctive events of the summer in Mistretta, an ancient village in the Nebrodi mountains of the Sicily region. This all-female equestrian parade winds through the town's historic center along the charming Via Libertà. The stars of the show are the horsewomen, who ride with elegance and skill, showcasing grace atop finely harnessed horses.

Tradition, costumes, and Sicilian spirit

The initiative was born to share Sicilian traditions through an event that highlights the role of women and local identity. Participants wear strictly traditional Sicilian clothing and tack, while the parade is traditionally led by a richly decorated Sicilian cart. The procession is accompanied by the songs and sounds of the Gruppo Folk Amastra, offering the audience an authentically island atmosphere. The inaugural 2024 edition featured thirty horsewomen from across Sicily.

In the heart of the Estate Amastratina

Dame in Sella is part of the Estate Amastratina, a program of events that enlivens Mistretta during the summer months, and is promoted by the Associazione Ippovia di San Sebastiano. The event is deeply tied to the devotion to the patron saint: highlights include the presentation of scrolls bearing the image of San Sebastiano and a prayer to the patron. The day concludes with a convivial gathering featuring tastings of local products.

A prelude to the historic Ippovia di San Sebastiano

The parade precedes the traditional Ippovia di San Sebastiano, a pilgrimage held on August 10th that for nearly a decade has brought the faithful—on foot, by bicycle, or on horseback—from the town center to the votive shrine near Lake Quattrocchi in the Nebrodi Park. Along with the Notte Bianca, Dame in Sella helps make the summer in Mistretta a period of celebration, hospitality, and shared identity.

An event to experience in the Nebrodi village

Between stone alleys, historic palaces, and the fresh mountain air, Dame in Sella offers residents and visitors a free and engaging spectacle that combines a love for horses with the rediscovery of Sicilian roots. It is the perfect opportunity to explore Mistretta and its authentic hinterland.