Medieval Delia and the Fair Lady of the Castle

3 Minutes of reading

Every year, the town transforms into a medieval village thanks to the “Associazione Folklore Petiliano” which, with the logistical support and sponsorship of the Municipality of Delia, organizes the Historical Reenactment Event best known as “Medieval Del

Delia Medievale

Among the many events, the most striking is the enchanting musical “The Fair Lady of the Castle”, performed on a stage set at the foot of the majestic “Castiddrazzu”, the ancient Arab-Norman fortress that overlooks the surrounding area and the entire Gibesi Valley. The performance is rooted in the legend of Beatrice, the young lady of the castle whose beauty and fate intertwine love, loyalty, and intrigue during the time of the Sicilian Vespers.

During the historical reenactment of “Medieval Delia”, the location comes alive with historical parades, ladies and knights, drummers, musicians, and flag jugglers who bring the Middle Ages back to life, while theatrical performances and folk reenactments revive the story of the lady and her castle.

On the eastern side of the castle, where archaeologists believe the remains of the ancient Arab settlement once stood, the story of the Fair Lady of the Castle is performed - a play written in local dialect by Lillo Montebello, set to music by his brother Totò Montebello in the 1990s, later re-edited by Maestro Pierangelo Carvello, and performed by members of the same association. Inspired by the chronicles of Nicolò Speciale and later fictionalized by Mezzabotta, this show - blending popular theatre, music, and tradition - is the beating heart of the festival and engages the entire community.

Alongside its historical and legendary dimension, the reenactment is also an opportunity to discover the authentic flavors of the region. At the foot of the castle, visitors can taste “li cuddrireddri”, Delia’s famous traditional rustic sweets handed down through generations and created as a tribute to the Fair Lady, as well as the renowned Delia IGP peaches, accompanied by local wines that express the food and wine richness of the fertile “lands of Delia.”
It is an experience that unites culture, folklore, and gastronomy, engaging all the senses and leaving an indelible memory.

Medieval Delia is not just a historical reenactment, but a true journey through time and through the spirit of the community - a moment when myth and identity merge to offer visitors a unique immersion in history and traditions that trace their roots back to the Arab hamlet once paired with the rock of Sabuci, upon which the Castle of Delia was built, giving rise to the town refounded by the Lucchese family at the end of the 16th century.