Cavalcata di San Giuseppe is a world famous mid march religious festival in the UNESCO Cultural Heritage town of Scicli, in Southern Sicily, that reenacts the biblical episode of the Escape to Egypt from the New Testament (gospel of Mathew), when Joseph, Mary and baby Jesus fled Betlehem to Egypt, to escape the wrath and murder of King Herod.
During this festival, various families from and around Scicli, collaborate to create exremely beautiful and richly decorated horse “frescoes” out of fresh flowers, typically composed of a main dress and a head piece, plus the traditional palm branches, that can weight up to a staggering 200 kilos. In the Southern Sicily there is a long and hystorical tradition of breeding exceptional horses for dressage and shows as well as for such events (they are not same type of breeds). Delicate art skills, and intense work and craft are invested in preparing a team for this festival, that is known worldwide.
During the two days of this festival, the population of Scicli doubles or triples, and many tourists come from abroad, even as far a the US, Argentina and Mexico to admire these eceptional and ephemerous true pieces of art. The festival is at the same time a parade and a competition, where at the end of the first night, in front of the Chiesa di San Giuseppe in Scicli, a winner is declared and a symbolic prize is awarded.
The atmosphere during his festival is enchanting with people and children following and cheering for their team, eating and drinking in a very peaceful spirit.
They are all beautiful and… perfect.
