Palio of the Berbers in Calascibetta
Every year in Calascibetta the ancient Palio dei Berberi is revived.
It is an event whose origins date back to the eighth century when the Berber settlers, an autochthonous ethnic group of today's Maghreb, stopped in what was then known as Kalab-shibet, today's Calascibetta, to be able to conquer the stronghold of Enna, at the time under Byzantine rule.
It is said that the Berbers loved parties and palios, and that they owned wonderful horses.
Today the Palio dei Berberi is organized on the occasion of the celebrations in honor of the Madonna of Buonriposo: the horses launch themselves into the race, strictly mounted "bareback", without saddle, according to the ancient Arab tradition.
