Unique in its kind and among the most important events of the Holy Week in Sicily, this Procession, also known as “I Misteri (The Mysteries)” and held in Buseto Palizzolo, is the representation of the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, according to the Gospels. Sixteen (16) living pictures, on scenographic wagons, which alternate groups of believers in traditional penitential costume and various bands.
Buseto Palizzolo
The territory of Buseto Palizzolo is situated between the archaeological area of Segesta and Mount Erice and it features a wonderful bucolic landscape. It had its origins in the 11th century before Christ with the Elymians, an ancient people who inhabited these lovely lands and who have left their traces until the present day (the place called Pietra Colli is an important archaeological site). Then followed several dominations that have left different cultural signs (some hamlets and districts have Greek names). The Arabs introduced the cultivation of citrus fruits, as well as the cultivation of cotton, palms and mulberry trees. With Normans, thanks to whom Erice reassumed its strategic role, the Agro Ericino territory was transformed into “fiefs”, and these into “parecchiate (smaller parcels of land)”: within them the “bagli” were born. They would have become the typical Sicilian rural buildings, fortified and with spacious courtyards, inhabited both owners and peasants.
Also known as “the city of mushroom”, Buseto Palizzolo has a vast wooded area, the Bosco of Scorace: 750 hectares of unspoilt nature recalling ancient landscape elements, when the surrounding hills and mountains were covered with woods. Inside there are many varieties of mushrooms (both edible and non-edible). In order to facilitate their knowledge (mushroom picking is recommended for experts only), the State Forestry Corps has marked the various trails with signs. Those who are less expert can taste, especially in autumn, delicious dishes based on mushrooms at the nearby restaurants.
