3 Days of Fairs, fun and horses !!!!

(Price 700 euros pp all-inclusive)

The blazing Mediterranean sun beat down on the animals and men that tended them. It was 1639, just ten years since Sicily was under Norman rule after centuries of Arab domination.
The Christian shepherd raised water to his mouth. Gulping a few mouthfuls, he badly needed to freshen, as best he could, his hot body. As he did so, he stopped and gazed… his old cow walked away from the herd – she never did that – and strolled to a spot in a nearby field.. and there, proceeded to kneel. The locals were very superstitious. They crossed themselves, believing it was a sign… Then the cow strolled back to its herd.
The next day, it happened again… and for several days it happened, every day, same time, same spot.
Convinced that this was a sign from above, the locals decided to escavate. Deep underground, on the very spot the cow would kneel, they unearthed a massive wooden cross. There could be no doubt that the cow was heavenly inspired!

The Feast of the Taratata.

Ever since that day in 1639, the “miracle” of the finding of this cross has been celebrated in the area around where it was found, establishing one of the most evocative events in Sicily. Subsequent carbon dating of the cross has shown it to be almost 500 years old when it was found, dating it back to the time of the crusades.
The feast is basically Arab based, with the “Taratata” dance being an arab war dance, involving the four quarters of the city in their fighting costumes, and armoured jumping dancing movements. This dance is performed in the town square, amidst colour, light and food galore. Naturally, the whole town is closed off for this 3-day feast.
Essentially, the feast is a mix of elements. The main one, which probably interests our clients most, would be the horse parade. Based, I presume, on the old tradition of marching the battalions through the streets, it now involves all the local horsemen bringing out their very best steeds and marching through the streets in their best riding splendour. The mounts are mostly Arab and Andalusian stallions, many of the highest calibre. Their march through the crowded streets is a spectacle, as the highly strung horses prance and jostle through the throngs of people around them.
The feast also involves processions in period costumes, food stalls with local produce and sweets, as well as the incredible dance itself.

Brief Itinerary…

Thursday – expected arrival in the morning.You will be picked up at the airport and arrangements have to be a bit fluid depending on arrival times of other guests. Essentially, we will take you either straight to Pippa’s Paddock or to a B&B in Palermo for some hours, where you can walk around and sightsee or shop or whatever… We should be at Pippa’s Paddock in time for some light lunch and a ride before setting off for dinner in a lovely Pizzeria in a nearby mountain village.
Friday – We ride in the morning after breakfast. Light lunch is served at Pippa’s Paddock followed by some relaxing time in the afternoon. Those who wish can be dropped off in the town of Alia (4 miles) for a stroll or a coffee…. In the evening we dine at a local restaurant specialising in fish and serving a full 18 course meal !!
Saturday – We again ride in the morning after breakfast. Light lunch is also served at Pippa’s Paddock. In the afternoon we drive to the famous (or should it be infamous!) town of Corleone (remember the Godfather) to visit a photographic exhibition where we see and hear the rivetting story of the Mafia in Sicily. Tonight we go to the Tarata festival to view the stalls. horse parade and sword dance, and so much more…
Sunday – The day will be taken up with a lovely ride over the mountains to a friend’s country house. Here we coral the horses and stop for a fine relaxing home cooked meal with local fresh produce. After the meal and some time to rest, we ride back in time to shower and change for another evening at the Taratata festival.
Monday – Departure time after breakfast. We can make arrangements for transport to the airport, however this is not included in the price as a lot depends on the numbers travelling to the same destination at the same time. Let us know what you wish and we will be quoting very reasonable rates for this.

For those of you who are coming at different times, we will make different arrangements according to your specific flights. You are welcome to extend you stay both before or after the dates mentioned. We can work out costs once you give us some details on your flights….

What’s included – everything mentioned above, ie. Airport tranfer from (but not to) airport, accomodation, riding, all excursions including travel and entry fees, travel to the Taratata, all meals mentioned above except evening meals at the Taratata (one of these evenings follows the full day ride where the lunch is abundant enough for most people not to want to eat in the evening). At the feast are several food stalls as well as nearby restaurants where we can get food according to tastes and wishes. All meals include wines, drinks etc…

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT US.