The oldest pagan festival in Sicily
“U Muzzuni” It is a pagan festival that takes place in Alcara Li Fusi (ME) on the Nebrodi every year on June 24th. The festival features some distinctive features of pagan sacred rituals dating back to ancient civilizations such as the Hellenic one for example. During the festival of “U Muzzuni” the propitiatory rite to the fertility of the earth, of nature, of love and of youth is celebrated.
The festival was originally celebrated during the Summer Solstice, every year on June 21st. Later, with the advent of Christianity, it was moved to June 24th, the day dedicated to Saint John the Baptist, a martyr whose head was severed as “U Muzzuni”. Since then, pagan and Christian elements have mixed in this rite that has been repeated for centuries.
What is it and what does it mean “U Muzzuni”?
“U Muzzuni” it is a truncated jug, on which each neighborhood of the village perched on the Nebrodi mountains, Alcara Li Fusi (ME), where truncated wheat is inserted as a propitiatory rite on agriculture, not only that, the neckless jug is wrapped in all the very precious and ancient gold of the inhabitants who set up the altars, surrounding everything with the “Pizzari“: typical carpets woven with ancient wooden pedal looms using scraps of fabric.
On the altar in addition to the jug, plates are placed with the “Laureddi“: stalks of wheat made to germinate in the dark, ears of corn and humble objects from the peasant world, flowers such as lavender and carnations.
The youngest girl in the neighborhood, symbolizes the ancient pagan priestess. She has the task of taking “U Muzzuni” and placing it on the altar. The villagers offer visitors good wine and typical local poor products.
“U Muzzuni” was once prepared everywhere in Sicily, also the anthropologist Giuseppe Pitrè attests to its presence even in Caccamo. Unfortunately, the tradition loose the roots and today it remain only in Alcara Li Fusi.
This village has origins to Patrone, who arrived here with Aeneas after the Trojan War (12th century BC).
According to the legend it was built the famous castle of Turiano, which later became Alcara.
These people venerated rural divinities such as:
- Demeter (Mother Goddess of the earth),
- Kore (goddess of vegetation),
- Aphrodite (Goddess of love),
- Adonis (Goddess of fertility),
- and Dionysus (goddess of euphoria).
Discover the beauty of Sicily through these extraordinary locations and prepare to be enchanted.
Stay connected with all experiences, follow us on our social networks and for more information please, contact us without hesitation!
