Peppe The White Prince

In the heart of picturesque Scicli, Sicily, there is a yearly event that is celebrated, enchants, and holds everyone in attendance: the historic Cavalcata di San Giuseppe.

In the foreground is Peppe, the great Boulonnais horse and king of 'Gruppo La Fenice'. Dressed in all his glory, with a beautiful coat and jute flowers of pansies, Peppe is the heart and soul of this old-time festivity.

Preparing the trappings is an art, and it requires patience and mastery. Weaving experts make thousands of pansies in the town dammusi, creating holy scenes symbolizing the Flight into Egypt of the Holy Family. The equestrian works, accompanied by the traditional costume of the peasant knight, turn the streets of Scicli into a large stage.