SS. Crocifisso Festival (September 14th) with Fair, Running Trophy, and Equestrian Parade

The patronal feast of Montemaggiore Belsito

The Festival of the Most Holy Crucifix in September is the most important and identity-defining event for Montemaggiore Belsito, a town in the Madonie Park in the province of Palermo, Sicily. Celebrated on September 14th, the day of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, it is the town's patronal feast and symbolically closes the summer season with days of intense religious, civil, and popular festivities in the historic center.

The legend of the miraculous Crucifix

At the heart of the devotion is a fine 15th-century wooden statue. According to local tradition, it was discovered in 1625 by Father Francesco Cangelosi near the church of Santa Maria degli Angeli, hidden under a burning bush: the fire was high and violent, yet the sacred image emerged completely unscathed. This miracle sparked a deep devotion, leading Princess Lucrezia Migliaccio to commission a church dedicated to the Most Holy Crucifix in 1676 as a thank-you for a recovery.

The dawn salute, the city keys, and the procession

The feast day opens with the traditional alborata (dawn salute) announcing the festivities. One of the most evocative moments is the symbolic handing over of the city keys: the mayor ideally entrusts Montemaggiore Belsito to the Most Holy Crucifix, recognized as the patron and protector of the town. In the late afternoon, the solemn procession of the statue takes place, placed on its artistic float and carried through the streets of the town among the faithful, confraternities, authorities, and the marching band, in an atmosphere of intense participation that attracts visitors from the entire Madonie area.

Fair, Running Trophy, and Livestock Exhibition

Alongside the religious dimension, the festival retains a strong popular character. The traditional Fair is renewed, with stalls, local products, and entertainment in the squares, and the historic SS. Crocifisso Running Trophy is held—one of the longest-running road races in Sicily (reaching its 47th edition in 2025), which brings athletes from all over the island to the town on a spectacular city circuit. There is also the Livestock Exhibition at the sports field, an expression of the agricultural and pastoral vocation of the Madonie territory, along with concerts, square performances, and fireworks.

The Equestrian Parade of the Cavalieri di Montemajur

Among the most anticipated events is the Equestrian Parade of the Cavalieri di Montemajur, an impressive cavalcade that gathers dozens of horsemen and horsewomen from all over Sicily. At the head of the procession, two oxen lead the Crucifix, followed by horses adorned with meticulously detailed harnesses and ponies led by children: a spectacle of colors and traditions that combines devotion, equestrian culture, and folklore.

An intangible Madonie heritage

The September SS. Crocifisso Festival represents an intangible heritage for Montemaggiore Belsito that unites history, faith, sport, and collective identity. It is an occasion for meeting and shared memory that keeps the roots of a Madonie community alive, offering visitors an authentic glimpse into the religious and popular traditions of inland Sicily.