The Castellana of Alcamo
Historical re-enactment and costume pageant in the heart of Alcamo, for the Feast of the Madonna dei Miracoli
About The Castellana of Alcamo
A new historical re-enactment for Alcamo
The Castellana of Alcamo is a historical re-enactment event launched in 2026 in Alcamo, an important town in the province of Trapani, Sicily. The initiative, promoted by the Municipality of Alcamo's Culture Office, blends historical pageantry, craftsmanship, and live performance, transporting the city's historic center back to the atmosphere of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance for a few hours.
The event is part of the celebrations for Maria Santissima dei Miracoli, the patron saint of Alcamo, adding a new spectacular and identity-focused dimension to one of the city's most cherished traditions.
The historical pageant and the medieval village
The heart of the event is a grand historical pageant that winds through the streets of the center: starting from the Castello dei Conti di Modica, the city's monumental landmark, the procession travels along Via Commendatore Navarra, Via Florio, Corso VI Aprile, Via Crispi, and Corso San Francesco di Paola, finally reaching Piazza Ciullo. The parade features performers in period dress, the King's Archers, groups of crusaders and templars, ancient coin minters, flag-wavers, and drummers.
At the foot of the castle, a medieval village is set up with historical reconstructions, artisan workshops, and costumed figures, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the arts and crafts of the past.
The Castellana competition
A distinctive element of the event is the competition to elect the Castellana: each participating group presents a woman who portrays a historical, legendary, or traditional female character through period attire, storytelling, and a runway walk. The competition is open to municipalities, schools, cultural associations, and informal groups, highlighting the role of female figures in the history and memory of the region.
Tradition, music, and identity
The Castellana of Alcamo also hosts a regional gathering of drummers, bringing together families and groups from various Sicilian towns to showcase the island's percussion traditions. The fusion of historical re-enactment, popular devotion to the Madonna dei Miracoli, and entertainment makes this new event a future classic in the Alcamo calendar.
The Castellana of Alcamo — edition 2026
The first edition of The Castellana of Alcamo brought the city's historic center to life on June 19, 2026, as part of the celebrations for Maria Santissima dei Miracoli. The medieval village at the foot of the Castello dei Conti di Modica was set up as early as June 18.
The debut combined popular devotion and historical re-enactment in a day featuring costume parades, musical groups, and the Castellana competition, marking the beginning of a new tradition for the city of Alcamo.
Programme The Castellana of Alcamo 2026
Wednesday, June 18, 2026
- Setting up of the medieval village at the foot of the Castello dei Conti di Modica, with historical reconstructions, artisan workshops, and costumed performers.
Thursday, June 19, 2026
- 5:00 PM — Departure of the historical pageant from the Castello dei Conti di Modica.
- Parade along Via Commendatore Navarra, Via Florio, Corso VI Aprile, Via Crispi, and Corso San Francesco di Paola, with the King's Archers, crusaders and templars, ancient coin minters, flag-wavers in period dress, and drummers.
- First regional gathering of drummers, with families and groups from Alcamo, Castellammare del Golfo, Belmonte Mezzagno, Santo Stefano Quisquina, and Grotte.
- Arrival of the pageant in Piazza Ciullo with greetings to city officials.
- In the evening (around 10:00 PM) — Award ceremony at the Castello dei Conti di Modica and proclamation of the Castellana among the competing candidates.
Simultaneously, the Mother Church hosted the presentation and blessing of the restored wooden statue of the patron saint, in preparation for the procession on June 21.
Highlights The Castellana of Alcamo 2026
Prices The Castellana of Alcamo 2026
Practical information — The Castellana of Alcamo
Getting there
Alcamo is located in the province of Trapani, in western Sicily. By car, it can be reached via the A29 Palermo-Mazara del Vallo motorway (Alcamo exit). The Alcamo Diramazione railway station connects the city to the regional network. The nearest airports are Trapani-Birgi and Palermo-Punta Raisi.
Location
The procession starts from the Castello dei Conti di Modica in the historic center and ends in Piazza Ciullo. The medieval village is set up at the foot of the castle.
Admission
The event takes place in the public spaces of the historic center and is free to attend. For information and participation in the competition, please contact the Culture Office of the Municipality of Alcamo.
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Where does it take place — The Castellana of Alcamo
Castello dei Conti di Modica
Castello dei Conti di Modica, Piazza Castello, 91011 Alcamo