Giostra dei Ventimiglia

The Giostra dei Ventimiglia: A journey into the medieval Madonie

The Giostra dei Ventimiglia is the most important event in Geraci Siculo, a picturesque village in the Madonie Park in the Province of Palermo, in the heart of Sicily. For three summer days, the historic center turns into a grand open-air stage, reviving the 14th century—the golden age when the noble Ventimiglia family ruled from their capital, Geraci, over a vast County stretching from the Madonie to the Nebrodi mountains.

One of the most heartfelt historical re-enactments in the Madonie

The event celebrates the glorious past of the Ventimiglia County and the figure of Count Francesco Ventimiglia, one of the most iconic figures in local history. The nocturnal historical re-enactment "U Conti cumanna", set among the evocative ruins of the Ventimiglia Castle, offers a journey through ancient crafts at the Count's court and a representation of the events that linked the dynasty to medieval Sicily.

Parades, flag-wavers, and chivalric games

The highlight is the final day, when the village fills with colors and sounds: medieval entertainment, performances by flag-wavers, the welcoming of mayors and knights from the ancient County's towns, and the swearing-in and blessing of the participating knights. In the afternoon, the grand historical pageant in 14th-century costumes begins, culminating in the Knights' Joust: over thirty knights and amazons, representing the towns of the Madonie and Nebrodi, compete for the trophy by re-enacting 14th-century chivalric games.

Tradition, spectacle, and identity

• Parades in 14th-century period costumes
• Falconry displays simulating hunting
• High-school equestrian shows
• Medieval food and music through the village streets
• Re-creation of the Ventimiglia currency and cultural meetings

The Giostra dei Ventimiglia is more than just a show: it is an identity-defining event that unites dozens of towns from the former County and highlights the historical, artistic, and gastronomic heritage of one of the most fascinating territories in inland Sicily. An authentic festival that allows visitors to experience the atmosphere of medieval Geraci for a few days.