San Sebastiano Horse Trail

A pilgrimage of faith and nature in the Nebrodi Mountains

The San Sebastiano Horse Trail is an annual event held on August 10th, drawing devotees, riders, and hikers to Mistretta, a mountain village in the province of Messina, in the heart of the Nebrodi Park. The event weaves together devotion to San Sebastiano, the town's patron saint, with the discovery of one of the most evocative landscapes in inland Sicily.

The Route

The pilgrimage follows a route of approximately 25 kilometres. Starting early in the morning from the centre of Mistretta, it passes through the Ciddia locality, the valley of the waterfalls, and the Montepiano forest, eventually reaching the recreational area of Lake Urio Quattrocchi. The trail can be traversed on foot, on horseback, or by bicycle: an inclusive approach that has made the Horse Trail an experience shared by families, equestrian groups, and trekking enthusiasts alike.

The Sacred Ways of Sicily

Inaugurated in August 2017, the trail has been included in the Sacred Ways of Sicily circuit. The path is marked by votive shrines and culminates at the so-called trabbunedda, a small chapel housing the effigy of San Sebastiano by the lake. Here, pilgrims attend holy mass and a blessing ceremony, followed by a convivial gathering that unites spirituality, local gastronomy, and community spirit.

The Return and Celebrations

In the late afternoon, riders and pilgrims return to the village, where the day continues with a stop at the Church of San Sebastiano for a blessing with the saint's relics and a moment of prayer. The evening concludes with music and festivities in the historic centre of Mistretta, in keeping with the rites the community dedicates to its patron saint.

The Association and the Territory

The initiative is managed by the San Sebastiano Horse Trail Association, which grew out of the committee that originally mapped the ancient route. The association promotes the development of the Nebrodi territory and organises events linked to the patron saint, helping to showcase one of the most authentic corners of Sicily, with its mountains, forests, and folk traditions.