Are the medieval jousts or tournaments that take place in much of Sicily, as well as in other regions of Italy, a symptom of a hidden nostalgia for certain medieval customs? Certainly not. To recall and reintroduce, in modernized forms, the jousts organized by knights and nobles of the Middle Ages and later, does not imply nostalgia for them. These events are now part of a completely different experience, to customs entirely unrelated to the principles that accompanied those distant times. Today, they have become events of entertainment and commemoration—not to forget—because they are enjoyable and because we are more connected to our past than one might believe in an era where it might seem that some values have been lost.
When knights, nobles, and even kings organized tournaments, they followed incessant training as these events simulated acts of war. In short, they kept themselves prepared for the time when peace would give way to new wars. And in those centuries, there were indeed many.
Today, however, we talk about one of the most important and fascinating jousts, also notable for its preceding history: the one held in Geraci Siculo, in the province of Palermo, known as the Ventimiglia Joust. This small town, located in the Madonie Park, will host the event from August 2 to 4 this year, dedicated to one of the most important noble houses and their county.
This family, which settled in the Madonie territory in the 13th century through the marriage of Arrigo (Enrico) Ventimiglia to Isabella, the Norman Countess of Geraci (an important Madonie commune), quickly became so powerful that they administered justice without external interventions and minted their own coins. Over the centuries, they became so influential that they formed marital ties with various royal families and were subjects of envy due to their achieved economic and political power. In an attempt to eliminate their power, in the 14th century, they were accused of allying with the Angevins. However, in 1440, Giovanni I Ventimiglia obtained the title of Marquis of Geraci, which then became the first Marquisate of Sicily, and in 1595, Giovanni III became Prince of Castelbuono.
n memory of this noble house, which brought the Madonie and the towns within its territory to the center of the Kingdom’s politics, the Ventimiglia Joust in Geraci Siculo and the Arruccata di li Vintimiglia in Castelbuono are organized. During the festivities, joyful events of the court such as baptisms, engagements, marriages, and others are re-enacted. The knightly games follow, with participation from more than thirty towns from the former County of Madonie and partly from the Nebrodi. Among these towns are Gangi, Collesano, Petralia Sottana and Petralia Soprana, Polizzi, Pollina, Sperlinga, Troina, Tusa, Leonforte, Gratteri, Modica, Delia, Mussomeli, Cefalù, Castellana Sicula, Castelbuono, and others. The event has become an unmissable traditional festival for tourists who participate every year, both as protagonists and spectators. This year, around thirty knights have registered their horses for the Joust, which is organized by the municipality of Geraci Siculo, the Pro Loco, the Association of the Knights of the County, and other associations. Their intent is to restore the event to the splendor of bygone times, which still holds a certain charm today.
The event took place over three days in the archaeological area of the Ventimiglia Castle, where U conti cumanna (the Count commands) was also held. This re-enactment path recreated the ancient crafts performed at the court of Federico Ventimiglia, presented through a historical-theatrical performance. No joust would be complete without flag bearers, and here they are known as “Rione Panzera.” This was followed by the welcome of the mayors, the municipalities, and the knights of the Ventimiglia County. Afterwards, in Piazza del Popolo, there was the oath of the Knights of the County and, finally, the blessing of the horses that were to participate in the games. Medieval animation resumed, followed by the departure of the historical procession. Upon reaching the dressage field, the knights’ joust and the re-enactment of the 14th-century knightly games began.
In short, it was a delightful dive into the past that mesmerized the entire audience, who came not only from the participating towns but also from nearby areas, from the rest of Sicily, and even from other countries.
Geraci Siculo, a town in the Madonie Park area, is also part of the Borghi più Belli d’Italia and has been awarded the Comune Fiorito quality mark. Its urban layout dates back to the Middle Ages, and the inhabitants are largely engaged in agriculture and pastoralism. However, the main economic activity is the collection and bottling of the excellent water from the springs of its mountains. Other festivals take place throughout the year, including the one dedicated to Saint Bartholomew and Saint James, known as the Festival of Thanksgiving.
In the 8th century BC, the island was colonized by the Greeks, who took an interest in the Geraci territory shortly after 550 BC, naming it Jerax (Iέραξ), meaning vulture, as the rock was inhabited by these predatory birds. The area later came under Roman and then Byzantine control, as did the entire Madonie region. In 840 AD, it was conquered by the Saracens, who expanded and fortified the existing castle. When the Muslims settled in Sicily, they divided the island into three provinces: Val Demone, Val di Noto, and Val di Mazzara. Geraci, which belonged to the first province, maintained its faith and coexisted peacefully with the Muslims. It also came under Norman rule, with Roger I granting the fiefdom to his nephew Richard Serlo II d’Altavilla. The Swabians brought the Altavilla family, whose history I have already recounted. Over time, the County continued to expand and simultaneously experienced the succession of foreign powers while managing to maintain a certain degree of independence. The Ventimiglia family, who constantly worked for the good of the County that bears their name, continue to do so today.
Geraci Siculo also boasts a library established around 1866, which preserves a substantial collection of ancient and modern books. Thanks to a donation, it houses a precious printed volume of Frederick II of Swabia’s treatise on falconry, the only one existing in Sicily and dated 1595: Reliqua Friderici Imperatori De Arte Venandi Cum Avibus. Even today, falconry is practiced in some parts of the Madonie.
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