Feast of San Giuseppe in Agrigento

Agrigento was founded by Greek colonists in 581 BC becoming one of the most important Sicilian cities of Magna Graecia. Sacked by the Romans who subjected it to their empire, it was the scene - like the whole island - of invasions and dominations including that of the Arabs who rebuilt it on the top of the hill where today its historic center can be seen with an urban fabric in arabic style.
Religiosity belongs to the history of Agrigento which sees in Feast of St. Joseph, the most culminating moment that is celebrated every year.

Description of the Feast of San Giuseppe in Agrigento

La Feast of San Giuseppe in Agrigento it is a religious rite that does not inhibit the fact of living a kermesse that sees shows, parades, popular games in the square.

The eve of the festival sees the renewal ofAscent of St. Joseph in the Chapel of the High Altar and in the evening, after the celebration of Mass, it is customary to bless what is defined tavolata which takes place in the parish hall.
The next day, March 19th, a joyful ringing of bells warns of the start of the Feast of San Giuseppe in Agrigento. From every part of the city but also from the surrounding areas, the faithful go on pilgrimage to the church to listen to the Bishop pronounce the Pontifical.
At the end, the distribution takes place San Giuseppe soup.
During the afternoon the traditional is held procession of the Simulacrum which crosses the streets of the historic center of Agrigento together with the procession of faithful and preceded by the band.

The story linked to the Feast of San Giuseppe in Agrigento

It should be specified that especially for Sicilians, the figure of St. Joseph represents a significant patriarchal figure and is considered a father of providence and therefore worthy of devotion.

In fact, devotees honor St. Joseph above all by dedicating themselves to works of charity addressed to poor families to ensure that they do not lack bread. Tradition has it that on March 19, in honor of the Saint, three poor children are invited to their table to recall the flight of Christ, Mary and Joseph into Egypt, to whom they are served lunch singing and telling nursery rhymes in Sicilian dialect.

The Feast of San Giuseppe in Agrigento has been held since the founding of the Confraternity dedicated to him back in 1622 and is celebrated every year out of devotion to the Saint and to cement the community.

When the Feast of San Giuseppe takes place in Agrigento

The feast of San Giuseppe is celebrated every year starting from 10 March with the novena that takes place for the following 9 days, animated by the various communities of the city. The most significant days are the 18 and 19 March which also see the most important celebrations.

Where the Feast of San Giuseppe takes place in Agrigento

Procession through the streets of the city which will follow the following route: via Garibaldi, Pietro Nenni, Bac Bac, San Girolamo, Madonna degli Angeli, Gioeni, Aldo Moro, Porta di Ponte, Atenea, and return to the Church of San Giuseppe.

What to do during the Feast of San Giuseppe in Agrigento

Going to Agrigento on the occasion of the Feast of San Giuseppe is also a formidable opportunity to explore the beautiful Valley of the Temples one of the largest and best preserved archaeological sites dating back to the civilization of classical Greece.
Now part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the territory where the archaeological area is located corresponds to the remains of Akragas, the founded nucleus of Agrigento.

On the rocky ridge that bordered the then inhabited area are the remains of mighty Doric-style temples dedicated to various Greek divinities. Don't miss the Regional Archaeological Museum which is located within the archaeological area which includes 5688 artifacts found that unfold in a period that starts from prehistory up to the Greco-Roman era.

If you have some time left, it is suggested that you visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria dei Greci which rises on the hill of Girgenti and which corresponds to the ancient temple of Athena. Gothic in style, the church dates back to the XNUMXth and XNUMXth centuries and deserves to be known for the works of art it contains.
In the heart of Agrigento it is also nice to see the Monastery of the Holy Spirit, built in medieval style.

How to get to Agrigento

By car:: from Taormina it is necessary to follow the A18 motorway to Catania, continuing on the A19 towards Palermo up to the Caltanissetta exit and continuing on the SS640 up to Agrigento. From Palermo it is necessary to follow the A19 motorway towards Catania, exiting at Villabate and continuing on the SS121 and continuing to the destination. From Syracuse you can follow the coastal itinerary on the SS115 via Noto, Ragusa and Gela until you reach Agrigento. From Messina it is necessary to follow the A18 up to Catania, continuing on the A19 Catania-Palermo up to the Caltanissetta exit and continue on the SS640 up to Agrigento.