Geraci Siculo
Geraci Siculo: a medieval gem in the mountains of Sicily
Geraci Siculo is a municipality in the metropolitan city of Palermo in Sicily, with a population of 1717 inhabitants. Located within the Madonie Regional Natural Park, it is a place where nature and history blend together perfectly. Geraci Siculo is an ancient village with a medieval urban layout, where agriculture and pastoralism are still the main activities.
History
The Geraci area has a thousand-year history. Since prehistoric times, it has been inhabited by different populations, as evidenced by numerous archaeological finds in the surrounding countryside. Geraci Siculo was also an important Roman settlement and the town was already famous at the time of the Greeks, who called it "Jerax" in Greek, naming it after the presence of eagles that flew over the Geraci rock. In the Middle Ages, the village played an important role thanks to its strategic position on the Via dei Monti, an important connection between the coast and the Sicilian hinterland.
Traditions and festivals
Geraci Siculo is a place full of traditions and festivals that are passed down from generation to generation.
The feast in honor of Maria SS. Annunziata, co-patroness of the town, is held every year on the second Sunday in July. The feast is preceded by a novena and is celebrated with great solemnity. Among the various religious celebrations, the traditional stellario in dialect and the salve Regina stand out, which are sung during processions.
Another very important festival is the Cavalcata dei Pastori (Shepherds' Ride), which is celebrated every seven years on the third Sunday in July, in Carvaccata di Vistiamara. This tradition began in 1643 and consists of a horseback parade that starts from the "cassiere's" house and ends at the main church, after having traveled the streets of the village. The parade recalls nomadic pastoralism in the mountains of the island and represents a thanksgiving to the shepherds for the preference shown by God towards them.
Among the other events, the historical costume horseback tournament, called "Giostra dei Ventimiglia", stands out, which is attended by skilled riders from all over the town.
Flowered Municipality
Geraci Siculo holds the "Comune Fiorito" quality mark, a prestigious certification awarded by the Sicilian Region to places that stand out for the care of public greenery and attention to the environment. Thanks to this recognition, Geraci Siculo has gained greater visibility and has attracted the attention of tourists and visitors.
Collection and bottling of mineral water
In addition to traditions and natural beauty, Geraci Siculo is also famous for the collection and bottling of mineral water from the sources of the Geraci mountains. This water is highly appreciated for its beneficial properties and is sold throughout Italy.
Conclusions
Geraci Siculo is a unique place, where history and nature blend together perfectly. The medieval village, the centuries-old traditions, the mountains, and the mineral water springs make it a magical and fascinating place. A visit to this little Sicilian town is an experience that is not easily forgotten.
