Feste Di Schietti, The Fest of The Bachelors -- Why Do Men Still Practice This Ancient Custom?!

Feste Di Schietti happens only once a year at a small fishing village in Sicily, Italy. Every year during Easter, or Pasqua in Italian, the whole town gathers in the square to watch the bachelors of the town raise an orange tree with one hand for as long as possible. The orange tree weighs about 50 kilos (about 110 pounds) and the bachelors are only allowed to raise it with the palm of one hand. The event is a test of strength and skill. It was performed in ancient times under the balcony of the woman the bachelor wanted to marry. If he failed to hold the tree, the marriage did not happen. Fortunately for the bachelors of the town today, this no longer determines whether the bachelor can marry the woman he loves. The festival is followed by traditional folk dance, music, and a parade lead by decorated horses and carriages celebrating the event. It is really a site to behold and we hope you enjoy the footage!