In Italy every town has its patron saint, it isn’t just a folkloristic tradition but something people truly care about, especially in the South and in Sicily. On the day dedicated to the town’s patron everything else doesn’t matter: shops are closed for the day and the same can be said for most of public offices. The time stops and all the citizens join the celebrations held in the name of the saint. That’s what happens in Palermo on July 15, the day consecrated to Saint Rosalia, in Catania on February 6 for Saint Agata, and that’s what will happen in Syracuse for the upcoming festivity of Saint Lucy, on December 13.
Lucy was a martyr, killed during the persecution of Christians wanted by the Roman emperor Diocletian. She was born from a noble Christian family of Syracuse, and soon became one of the symbols of the city. On December 13 a procession brings the statute of Saint Lucy from the cathedral to Saint Lucy church, with the whole city following the cortege.
On December 20 then is time for Saint Lucy to get back to Syracuse cathedral: another procession is held, but this time the cortege makes two stops, one by the Basilica Santuario della Madonna delle Lacrime, one of the most important churches of the city, where believers share a moment of prayer and meditation, and the second by the Umberto I General Hospital, to bring solace to sick people.
Then, once the procession has reached the Ponte Umbertino, the city salutes Saint Lucy with spectacular fireworks.
Saint Lucy celebrations are truly felt and intense, so don’t miss the chance to be present if you’re spending your Christmas holidays in Sicily. Furthermore this is the only time to taste some cuccia, a traditional recipe prepared exclusively around December 13. We’ll talk about it next Friday on our blog!
