Montelepre Medieval Festival

A dive into the Sicilian Middle Ages

The Montelepre Medieval Festival is one of the most heartfelt historical re-enactments in the Palermo area. For two days, the Municipality of Montelepre, a small village in the Metropolitan City of Palermo in Sicily, dresses in period attire and transports visitors back to the 15th century, the golden age of the Ventimiglia family. The streets, squares, and stairways of the historic center come alive with ladies, knights, men-at-arms, artisans, and merchants in costume, all within an atmosphere curated down to the smallest detail.

The history of the Ventimiglia family

The event is organized by the I Ventimiglia Cultural Association, led by Zenap Chaudry and linked to the Sicilian historical re-enactment network. At the heart of the narrative is the figure of Giovanni Ventimiglia, Bishop of Monreale, and his noble house, which owned the fiefdom of Munchilebbi, the ancient Montelepre. The symbolic center of the re-enactment is the 15th-century Ventimiglia Tower, an imposing fortress built with the approval of King Alfonso V of Aragon to consolidate episcopal jurisdiction over the territory.

The historical pageant and performances

The highlight is the grand multi-era historical pageant of the Ventimiglia, which features over four hundred participants from every corner of Sicily parading through the town streets. The local historical group is joined by numerous associations from across the island, ranging from historical archers to dance troupes and baroque processions. Along the route, you will find:

• Flag-wavers, musicians, drummers, and trumpeters enlivening the streets;
• Jesters, falconers, and duelists in armor performing live shows;
• Medieval dances, fire shows, and scenes of court life;
• The spectacular Living Chessboard, a dramatization of the historical confrontation between King Alfonso V of Aragon and Archbishop Giovanni Ventimiglia, with performers acting as living chess pieces.

The Baroness of Montelepre

Among the most anticipated events is the election of the Baroness of Montelepre, featuring a parade in period costumes, the symbolic handing over of the city keys, and the involvement of children with the 'Baby Baroness' event. The festival is completed by the medieval market, artisan workshops, taverns, and a medieval banquet with musical entertainment.

An event for the whole family

Spread throughout the historic center and free to attend, the Montelepre Medieval Festival is an event suitable for the whole family, combining cultural value, historical education, and entertainment. It is a wonderful opportunity to discover an authentic village in western Sicily and its identity tied to the noble Ventimiglia family.