Festivals in Sicily: what, where and when?

Sicily is one of the most unique regions in Italy when it comes to culture. Besides its beautiful landscapes and delicious food, Sicily has many lively festivals.

Whatever time of year you go to Sicily, chances are there's a festival somewhere. A large number of festivals are religious or related to local culture.

In this guide, we have put together some of the most important festivals in Sicily.

Celebrations of the Patron Saints

Every Sicilian city and town has its patron saint. Once a year, people celebrate this patron saint. The festivals vary from town to town, but certain general features remain the same.

The festivals of the patron saints include a procession. In it, people carry a patron saint statue through the town. The parade ends at the city's cathedral, dedicated to the saint.

At the end of the festival, there are fireworks and masses in honor of the saint. The streets are filled with stalls, music, dancing, and other traditional performances.

Here are some of the most famous patron saint feast days in some of the main cities:

Feast of Saint Agatha in Catania

The Feast of Saint Agatha is one of Sicily's most important religious festivals. It goes on from 3. to 5. February.

The festival atmosphere lasts for three days. Finally, the statue of Sant'Agatha is carried to Piazza Cavour where there's a tug-of-war.

Festival of Santa Rosalia in Palermo

Rosalia didn't want to marry and devoted her life to Christ instead. She lived in the mountains near Palermo, where she also died.

The discovery of Rosalia's bones saved Palermo from a plague in the 17th century. Or so the story goes. So there is every reason to celebrate Rosalia.

The bones of Saint Rosalia are now kept in Palermo Cathedral.

The Festival of Saint Rosalia goes on from 10.-15. July in Palermo.

Palermo is a big city, and that goes for the celebrations too. After honoring Rosalia, the festivities end with a big firework display in the harbor.

Festival of Santa Rosalia in Palermo 1855

Festival of Santa Rosalia in 1855 by Pasquale Mattej.

Festival of Santa Lucia in Syracuse (13.-20. December)

Northern countries know Santa Lucia as a beacon of light amid the darkness. In Syracuse, the celebrations are also associated with light. As you might expect from the saint's name.

Amongst the many festivities, there are artistic light decorations around the city.

Festival of San Salvatori in Cefalu

Cefalu is a charming town at any time of year. In summer, it fills up with lively beach life.

This general party atmosphere is taken up a notch when it's time to celebrate the town's patron saint on 6. August.

The celebration falls in the middle of the busiest holiday season, in August. As a local specialty, the festival includes a boat parade.

And, of course, there's the general party atmosphere. Fireworks, music, dancing, and delicious food.

Festival of San Giorgio in Ragusa Ibla

Ragusa's old town is a place you won't forget. Beautiful, historic, exotic.

Ragusa Ibla, as it is called, is familiar to many from the TV series Commissaire Montalbano. In them, Ragusa plays a role as the fictional town of Vigata.

Particularly familiar is Piazza Duomo. At the end of which stands the Cathedral of San Giorgio (St George). This is also the place where the saint's celebrations culminate.

The Festival of San Giorgio happens every year on the last Sunday of May.

Ragusa Ibla (Maurizio Moro5153/Wikimedia Commons)

Festa delle Madonna delle Milizie, Scicli (Last Weekend in May)

A short distance from Ragusa is the town of Scicli. It, too, appears in the Montalbano TV series. In it, the town hall of Scicli plays the role of the police station of Vigata.

The patron saint of Scicli is the Madonna delle Milizie - Madonna of the Militia. As you might expect, the themes also include a certain militancy.

This shows in the representations of Norman battles. The emphasis is still on traditional processions and other rituals. And, of course, the sense of community.

Almond Blossom Festival in Agrigento

The Almond Blossom Festival celebrates the arrival of spring. The festival takes place in late February or early March when the almonds blossom in Agrigento.

The Almond Blossom Festival is Agrigento's most famous traditional event. It includes music, parades, and traditional Sicilian food.

Art performances focus on the Temple of Concordia but there is music everywhere.

Temple of Concordia in the Valley of the Temples, Agrigento.

Infiorata di Noto

Another springtime flower festival is in Noto on the third weekend of May. During the Infiorata, the city streets are covered with works of art made from flower petals.

During the festival, the streets are closed to traffic. This allows pedestrians to stroll through the petal artworks at their leisure.

The air is filled with the intoxicating scent of flowers. The blossoming carpets continue for many blocks.

Festival del Teatro Greco in Syracuse

The Greek theatre in Syracuse dates back to the 5th century BC. At that time, Sophocles himself could be seen on-site watching his plays.

The Festival of Greek Theatre in Syracuse offers a unique opportunity to see ancient plays in their original setting.

The Greek Theatre Festival runs throughout the summer, from May to July.

Greek Theatre in the archeological park of Syracuse.

Taormina Film Festival

The famous Taormina film festival takes place between June and July. Here, too, the stage is the ancient Greek theatre.

The theatre is one of Taormina's main attractions - and for good reason. Its location is unique, high on a hillside. The blue sea and the volcano of Mount Etna are in the background.

The festivities last for a week. During this time, movies, documentaries, and short films are shown at the Greek theatre.

The film industry cream of the crop from around the world will arrive in the city. Besides the actual films, there are other activities: panel discussions, lectures, and Q&A sessions with filmmakers.

And, of course, the festival is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of Taormina. At this time, it is even more vibrant than usual.

Greek Theater of Taormina. (Photo: Holger Use Schmitt / Wikimedia Commons)

Renaissance Music Festival in Erice

The hilltop town of Erice is unique in its beauty, no matter when you visit. For a week in August, though, these medieval alleyways and surrounding landscapes become even more magical than usual.

The week-long Renaissance Music Festival is mellower than many other festivals in Sicily. Still, it's a unique opportunity to experience this music in a rare setting.

Cous Cous Festival in San Vito lo Capo

The Cous Cous Festival in San Vito lo Capo is one of the most famous festivals in Sicily. San Vito lo Capo is a seaside town with one of the best beaches in Sicily.

The festival celebrates the diversity of Sicilian cuisine. The focus is on the traditional North African dish couscous.

Couscous is widely used in Sicilian cuisine, especially in the western part of the island. There, Arab influences are strong in both food and culture.

The festival takes place in September. It includes a cooking competition where top chefs compete for the title of best couscous dish.

During the couscous festival, the streets of San Vito lo Capo are filled with food stalls, live music, and other cultural activities.

Cous Cous Fest in San Vito lo Capo. (Wikimedia Commons: Daniele Pugliesi)

Pistachio Festival in Bronte

The town of Bronte is on the upper slopes of Mount Etna. It is famous for its picturesque location and its pistachios.

These little green nuts are better in Bronte than anywhere else. If you happen to stop by, you should definitely buy them.

The Pistachio Festival takes place in early October. There you can taste many kinds of culinary delights. Pastries, cakes, ice cream, pasta, sauces, and pesto. Among others.

Market stalls line the streets, where local farmers sell their delicacies.

Ricotta Festival in Vizzini

Vizzini is a small town near Catania. The Ricotta Festival is held once a year, in April. A must for all the lovers of ricotta, that famous Sicilian sheep's milk cheese.

Traditional Sicilian delicacies such as cannoli and cassata are in abundance. And, of course, other ricotta and other cheese products.

The festival is also an opportunity to see how ricotta is traditionally made.

The Ricotta Festival is a tribute to all the local farmers and cheesemakers.

Conclusion

Sicily is a captivating destination with vibrant festivals throughout the year. These festivals offer a glimpse into the rich heritage and traditions of the island.

Each festival offers a memorable and captivating experience. A kaleidoscope of colors, flavors, and traditions.

Plan your visit to coincide with one of these remarkable celebrations. You'll be treated to an unforgettable journey into the heart and soul of Sicilian culture.

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