Sant'Eligio Cavalcade and Palio

An equestrian festival in the heart of the Madonie

The Sant'Eligio Cavalcade and Palio is the most cherished event in Sciara, a small town in the Metropolitan City of Palermo, Sicily. Every year, on the last Sunday of September, the village transforms into a grand open-air stage where religious devotion meets the ancient equestrian and farming culture of the Sicilian hinterland. Horses, mules, and donkeys, arriving from neighboring towns as well, are festively adorned and bear the image of "Santo Loi"—as Sant'Eligio is affectionately called in the local dialect—on their foreheads.

The cult of Sant'Eligio, protector of livestock

Sant'Eligio is venerated in Sciara as the protector of farm animals, a central figure in a community historically tied to shepherding and field labor. The heart of the festival is the horseback procession of an ancient bas-relief depicting the Saint's miracle: the sacred image is carried in the parade by a rider who has specifically requested the privilege, followed by a long line of decorated animals. At the end of the parade through the town streets, the parish priest imparts the traditional blessing to the horses and their riders, ensuring their protection throughout the year.

Gymkhana, horse show, and Palio

The festival is not just about devotion: during the event, the program is enriched with numerous equestrian appointments. At the sports field, the equestrian gymkhana takes place, featuring timed courses and obstacles, alongside the horse show, with a special focus on the indigenous Sicilian horse. The most anticipated moments are the Grand Equestrian Gala and, above all, the Sant'Eligio Palio, where riders and jockeys challenge each other in the afternoon in tests of skill and speed, demonstrating their expertise before a large audience. The Palio trophy is awarded to the winner at the end of the celebrations.

Sciara, a village with a recent history

Located in a territory rich in vegetation and water, inhabited since prehistoric times, the center of Sciara has relatively recent origins: its official history began in 1671, when Prince Filippo Notarbartolo Cipolla obtained the title of Prince of Sciara and the authority to populate the territory, building the Castle and the Church of Sant'Anna. It is within this framework of rural traditions and strong community identity that the Sant'Eligio Cavalcade has its roots, remaining to this day one of the most characteristic folkloric events in the province of Palermo.

An unmissable event

Organized by the Associazione Equestre Sciarese (the Friends of the Horse of Sciara) with the patronage of the Municipality, the Sant'Eligio Cavalcade and Palio attracts horse enthusiasts, curious onlookers, and visitors eager to discover an authentic Sicily, far from the major tourist circuits. Amidst colors, sounds, and the rhythmic clatter of hooves on the cobblestones, the festival offers a vivid glimpse into the equestrian traditions of the Madonie.