Montemaggiore Belsito
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| Comune di Montemaggiore Belsito | |
|---|---|
| Country |  Italy |
| Region | Sicily |
| Province | Palermo (PA) |
| Mayor | Stefano Castiglia |
| Elevation | 517 m |
| Area | 31.83 km² |
| Population | |
| - Total | 3866 (year 2001) ISTAT |
| - Density | 121.5/km² |
| Time zone | CET, UTC+1 |
| Coordinates | |
| Gentilic | Montemaggioresi |
| Dialing code | 091 |
| Postal code | 90020 |
| Patron | Gesù Crocefisso |
| - Day | September 14 |
| Website: [1] | |
Montemaggiore Belsito is a small town located about 80 kilometres far from the city of Palermo, Sicily, in the Province of Palermo.
[edit] History
Slightly damaged by several earthquakes, there are several churches and a palace. It's about 517 metres above sea level and the population (year 2001) is 3866 inhabitants. The village is crossed by a main road that links many others villages (Alia, Aliminusa, Cerda) to Highways A19 and A20. A northern portion of the road is still used for the Targa Florio, one of the oldest car races, and now a rally course.
[edit] Local celebrations
On 19 March and 1 May there is a celebration of the feast of Saint Joseph, husband of the Virgin Mary. On these days several families invites children to eat at their tables for the Virgineddi (pronounced veergeenaeddee and meaning Little Virgins).
On 14 September there is an animals fair in the morning and in the afternoon a tiny piece of Jesus' tears-crown (according to the believers) is lead in procession along the streets of the village.
From 20 December to 7 January there is "Presepio Vivente". The representation of the birth of Jesus, with dresses and trades of XIX century, is located in "Palazzo del Principe" one ancient nobiliare palace with beautiful garden.
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