The Calvacatta Di Giuseppe is a celebration to commemorate when the Holy Family fled to Egypt. It also appears to be a celebration of the horse. The riders were dressed in black pants with white shirts, red sashes and some wore long caps. The horses were decked out with bells, and plumes. Apparently the horses looked terrible this year because they are typically covered in more elaborate flower arrangements. I was quite happy to admire their unadorned bodies. In fact, I don’t think I have ever seen such a congregation of so many stunning animals. One of the draft horses had withers that were over six feet high. Sean is 6’3’’ so I am very familiar with that height relative to my own. This horse was big! I am not sure if it was a Belgian or a Percheron - definitely not a Clydesdale. There were prancing Friesens (sp?) - shiny black and elegant with arched necks and they picked their knees up like Tennessee Walking Horses. I saw some other unrecognizeable breeds - one in particular looked like the equine version of a Siamese cat in color, movement, and body.
An interesting note is that San Giuseppe is considered by many to be the patron saint of Sicily but importantly, he is also the patron saint of pastry chefs. He has protected people in general, and the Sicilian people in particular, from hunger. In return, gifts of food, and particularly pastries are donated on this day. I think the gifts are given away to needy families.
I watched it from Ellen’s party.
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