What is Festino di Santa Rosalia? Everything to know about the Sicilian festival

Sicily draws in travellers for its sparkling azure waters and sun-drenched beaches, but the Italian island’s cultural landscape with its mosaic of influences is just as alluring. One of Sicily’s most significant cultural events – Festino di Santa Rosalia – takes place annually every July. The festival celebrates religion and folklore in connection with a devastating plague that hit Palermo exactly 400 years ago.

Here, we tell you everything you need to know about the festival, from why it is celebrated to some interesting facts about the honoured Santa Rosalia…

Why is Festino di Santa Rosalia celebrated?

The Festino di Santa Rosalia is an annual festival celebrated in Palermo to honour Saint Rosalia, the patron saint of the city. Saint Rosalia is venerated for having saved Palermo from a devastating plague outbreak in 1624.

According to legend, Rosalia’s relics were discovered after a divine vision, and when her relics were carried in a grand procession through the streets of Palermo, the plague miraculously came to an end. 

The festival celebrates Rosalia as an enduring symbol of devotion, faith, and refuge for the people of Palermo. Her intercession and the ending of the plague represent a story of rebirth and hope for the city.

2024 sees the 400th anniversary of the discovery of the body of Saint Rosalia and the subsidence of the plague.

When and where is Festino di Santa Rosalia celebrated?

The annual celebration of Festino di Santa Rosalia takes place from 10-15 July in Palermo, Sicily, with the popular processions on 14-15 July.

What happens during Festino di Santa Rosalia?

On the night of 14 July, the procession carrying a chariot containing the relics of Saint Rosalia set off from the Cathedral going to the Foro Italico via the Cassaro – a route that references the historic suffering, led by the Archbishop and the Mayor of Palermo. At Foro Italico, a grand firework display takes place. 

On 15 July, the relics of the Saint are carried in another grand procession along Cassaro. The relics are housed in a silver urn which is brought back to the Cathedral of Palermo and blessed by the Archbishop of Palermo at the end of the procession. Masses are held throughout the day in honour of Saint Rosalia. 

Food markets, music performances and shows are held throughout the week for the celebration. Local food of the celebration includes caponatina – chopped fried aubergine with olive oil, tomato, celery and olives; babbaluci – boiled snails; and vugghiuta – boiled tuna.

What are the special events for its 400th Festino?

A new statue of 230 cm height is created, with a style inspired by Sicilian Baroque.

Musical performances in honour of Santa Rosalia for the 400th Festino from 27 June to 3 August 2024.

Who is Santa Rosalia? Interesting facts? What miracles did Santa Rosalia perform?

Santa Rosalia was born into the noble Norman court of Palermo, the daughter of a lord and the niece of King Roger. Despite her privileged upbringing, she had a vision before her planned wedding that prompted her to retreat to a convent and then live as a hermit in a cave on Monte Quisquina. As word of her religious devotion and piety spread, people began to visit her, seeing her as a saint who could intercede for them with God. To escape the growing crowds, she moved to an even more remote cave on Monte Pellegrino, but her fame only continued to grow. 

In 1624, a horrible plague haunted Palermo, the traditions said that four centuries after her disappearance, Santa Rosalia appeared to a sick woman, then to a hunter to whom she indicated where her remains were to be found. She ordered him to bring her bones to Palermo and have them carried in procession through the city, and the disease miraculously subsided. 

While ending of the plague in 1624 is the most famous miracle associated with Santa Rosalia, many other instances of her miraculous intercession have been reported, including the curing of serious illness after prayers and protecting Palermo from natural disasters such as earthquakes and storms.

For more information, visit ilfestinodisantarosalia.it