According to legend, it all began in 1624 when a desperate man climbed to the top of Mount Pellegrino in Palermo with the intention of taking his own life, after the premature death of his wife. It was in this painful circumstance that the beautiful Rosalia appeared before his eyes with a great revelation: she indicated where her remains were to be found and ordered him to bring her bones to the city of Palermo and to carry them in procession through the city. The man found Rosalia’s bones in the cave as she described and her remains were carried around the city three times and then the miracle: the plague ceased. After this incredible event, Saint Rosalia started being venerated as the patron saint of Palermo, and locals built a sanctuary in the cave right where her remains were discovered.
This is the moving and miraculous story that bonds Palermo to its patron saint. The city renews its devotion to its beloved “Santuzza” (Little Saint) every year on July 14th, remembering these facts dating back to the seventeenth century and handed down from generation to generation. The celebration is called – in local dialect, rigorously! – U Festino and is a very touching event but joyfull and lively at the same time. The whole city of Palermo is involved: folk songs and popular dances with the Norman Arab architecture of the majestic Palermo’s Cathedral on the background.
This year, the famous Festino comes with a rich program of events between sacred and profane from July 8th to 15th: surely the best way to enjoy this incredible week of celebrations is to stay a few steps from Palermo’s main sights. Check now our selection of Villas in Palermo to find the best accommodation for your trip in Palermo!
The theme of this 394th Festino is “Palermo Bambina” and from here comes the idea of the spectacular reenactment of Santuzza’s past with the show staged on the Cathedral’s parvis. The night between July 14th and 15th, Palermitans and tourists will accompany the long march of the Santuzza’s float – prepared by a team of great artists, representing a sailing ship with two trees and thousands of rose and lilium flowers – from the Cathedral to the Foro Italico, passing through Palermo’s most famous landmarks such as Piazza Bologni, Quattro Canti and Porta Felice.
The absolute highlight of the Festino, after the great “profane” procession of July 14th, is the solemn procession on July 15th, when the precious silver coffin with Saint Rosalia’s relics parades along Palermo’s city centre, from the Cassaro to Piazza Marina, accompanied by all the Confraternities of the city, the clergy, and by the great crowd of faithful and devotees. The procession is a moment of heartfelt prayer and thanksgiving that culminates with the traditional impressive fireworks display.
The Feast of Santa Rosalia in Palermo attracts thousands of tourists to the city every year. Beyond the religious celebrations, the feast is a moment of great fun and conviviality: shops and pubs open until late night, shows, and so much more that is just waiting to be discovered. Santa Rosalia’s Festino in Palermo is an event that deserves to be attended at least once in a lifetime!
Picture: St. Rosalia float. Author: Dedda71. Source: Wikipedia.
