"Katabba. A Thousand Years of History."

Every year between the end of January and Feb. 5 - the day dedicated to St. Agatha Patron of Monteforte San Giorgio - a very important event is celebrated, the Katàbba or "Tammurinata," which commemorates the liberation (by the Normans) of the town from Arab rule. Twice a day (at sunrise and sunset) and for more than 20 minutes, two drum and bell players perform a very special symphony inside the bell tower of the church of St. Agatha. It consists of 18 sequences that narrate, through the notes, the different moments of the liberation, from the initial moment that imitates the step of a horse ridden by a messenger giving the announcement of the imminent arrival of the Normans to the most intense rhythm indicating the battle against the Saracens. Gradually the sound diminishes and then returns with festive overtones to symbolize the longed-for and won freedom. Food and wine and local craft markets are also set up during the festival days, as well as there are performances by archers, jesters and medieval games.