Each year, on Easter weekend in Terrasini, Sicily, an ancient tradition dating back over 200 years ago is renewed: "La Festa degli Schietti" which celebrates all of the singles and unmarried of Terrasini; Also known as La Festa del’Albero” or The Feast of the Tree, its symbol and popular protagonist. Single men raise an orange tree decorated in traditional Sicilian garb and weighing over 100lbs . to demonstrate their strength to all the single ladies in town.
At dawn on Holy Saturday, in the citrus groves of Terrasini, the organizing committee of “Gli Schietti” begins the ritual of cutting the bitter orange tree, chosen in the months prior to the celebration. The tree is then decorated with colorful banners, and red handkerchiefs , "ciancianeddi", or the bells of the horses and "anieddi", little lambs made of marzipan.
In the early afternoon, the tree is loaded on a Sicilian cart andtriumphantly arrives in town, led by the carpenter who fits it for the lift.
At dawn, on Easter morning, Terrasini is awakened by fireworks reminding the community of the big day. The blessing of the tree by the pastor marks the official start of the joyous celebration; Traditional Sicilian carts accompanied by a marching band parade about the town and Sicilian folklore groups and, of course, music entertain in the Piazza. For the single men it is the ultimate test of strength and skill to lift the tree at the balcony of “la zita”, their betrothed.
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LA FESTA
La Festa degli Schietti Each year, on Easter weekend in Terrasini, Sicily, an ancient tradition dating back over 200 years ago is renewed: “La Festa degli Schietti” or the Feast of the Tree, its symbol and popular protagonist.
