Fiera Franca di Roccella 1463

A fair reborn from the 15th century

The Fiera Franca di Roccella 1463 is the historical re-enactment through which Roccella Valdemone, a small town in the Nebrodi mountains in the province of Messina, celebrates its roots every Ferragosto. The event is based on a real historical event: on April 16, 1463, King John of Aragon granted Baron Francesco Statella, lord of Roccella, the privilege of holding a public fair lasting fifteen days, from August 13th to 25th. For nearly four hundred years, this fair was a fundamental economic and social event, where all kinds of goods and livestock were traded, inaugurated by a solemn opening parade with a complex and well-defined ceremonial.

The re-enactment today

After the tradition had been lost, the Associazione Culturale e Ricreativa Auricella brought it back to life by carefully reconstructing the ceremonial and the historical accuracy of the period costumes. The heart of the festival is the Renaissance historical pageant which, following the traditional ceremonial, winds through the alleys of the village's historic center with costumed participants. The procession concludes with a grand spectacle in the main square that weaves together:

• equestrian performances
• period dances
• flag-wavers
• medieval music concerts

A costumed village in the Nebrodi

The strength of the Fiera Franca lies in its collective spirit: the entire town participates, transforming its streets and squares into an open-air stage. Roccella Valdemone, nestled between the Nebrodi mountains and Mount Etna, offers a picturesque setting that makes the re-enactment an opportunity to discover an authentic and off-the-beaten-path corner of inland Sicily, far from mass tourism circuits.

When it takes place

The main event remains faithful to the historical date: August 13th, the day the fair originally opened. In recent years, the program has been enriched with side events in the days immediately preceding it. Admission to the event is free.