Medieval Historical Day

A day in the Middle Ages of the Nebrodi

The Medieval Historical Day is the grand historical re-enactment of San Marco d'Alunzio, an ancient village perched on the slopes of the Nebrodi mountains in the province of Messina, in the heart of Sicily. Every year, traditionally on June 2nd, the entire historic center transforms into an open-air stage that takes visitors back a thousand years to rediscover the customs, costumes, and traditions of medieval society.

The historical pageant and the Counts Filangeri

The heart of the event is the historical pageant of San Marco d'Alunzio, which commemorates the noble Counts Filangeri family and the era when the village was the capital of the County. Along the ancient cobbled streets of the center, performers in rich and lavish costumes, ladies and knights, parade accompanied by delegations of historical pageants from all over Sicily. The procession reaches Piazza del Castello, the highest point of the town, where the seal of the pact of friendship between the districts is renewed.

Shows, crafts, and falconry

Throughout the day, the characteristic alleys of the village come alive with a crowd of street performers:

• Flag-wavers and medieval musicians accompanying the parades;
• Fire-eaters, jugglers, acrobats, and fakirs in the small squares of the center;
• Falconry displays at the Belvedere AraCoeli, with the flight of hawks and buzzards recalling ancient falcon hunting;
• Medieval markets, demonstrations of ancient crafts, and live blacksmithing;
• Medieval games, dances, and shows featuring birds of prey and reptiles for both adults and children.

A village to discover

The re-enactment is also the ideal opportunity to discover one of the most fascinating villages in the Nebrodi, famous for its red Aluntino marble, numerous churches, and the panorama that sweeps across the Aeolian Islands. The event, with free admission, is organized by the Municipality of San Marco d'Alunzio and attracts thousands of visitors from all over Sicily every year.