Randazzo Medieval Festival – Sicularagonensia

A journey into the Sicilian 15th century

The Randazzo Medieval Festival, organized by the Sicularagonensia Cultural Association, is one of the most evocative historical re-enactments in Sicily. It takes place every year at the end of July in the historic center of Randazzo, an ancient medieval village in the municipality of the same name in the province of Catania, situated at an altitude of about 750 meters on the northern slopes of Mount Etna. Its streets paved with lava stone, which earn it the nickname of "black city," provide an exceptional natural backdrop for the three-day festival.

The story of Blanche of Navarre

The central theme of the event is the stay in Randazzo of Blanche of Navarre, vicar of the Kingdom of Sicily between 1409 and 1415 and the island's last queen. The re-enactment recounts the era when the sovereign, during a complex political period, governed and convened Parliament for the election of a new king. The grand historical pageant that traverses the village is built around her figure.

The pageant and performances

The heart of the festival is the historical pageant with over two hundred participants wearing faithful reproductions of 15th-century costumes. The parade is divided into several sections: the royal court, the group of courtiers, drummers, the queen's armed escort, archers, and the commoners. Along the streets of the village, you will find:

• performances by flag-wavers, drummers, and trumpeters;
• displays by archers, knights, and men-at-arms;
• courtly dances and folk dances;
• jesters, acrobats, stilt-walkers, and fire shows;
• medieval markets, ancient crafts, and period games.

The medieval tavern and heritage

There is also the traditional medieval tavern, where you can taste dishes inspired by the cuisine of the time. During the festival, it is also possible to discover the rich artistic heritage of Randazzo by visiting its monumental churches and the House of Music and Medieval Lute Making, located on Via Caterinella 19. The event involves the historic districts of San Martino, San Nicola, and Santa Maria, transforming the entire town into an open-air stage.

A defining event for Sicily

The result of the Sicularagonensia Association's work, the Medieval Festival is now a highly anticipated appointment of the Sicilian summer, capable of combining heritage enhancement, historical research, and popular entertainment. For those visiting eastern Sicily and the Etna area, it represents a unique opportunity to experience the authentic atmosphere of the Middle Ages among stone villages and volcanic landscapes.