Feast of the Madonna degli Infermi in Raffadali

Southern central Sicily, Free Municipal Consortium of Agrigento, raffadali: in the town of about 12 inhabitants between Agrigento and Cianciana, in month of July a religious event is celebrated which invites locals and tourists to Feast of the Madonna degli Infermi in Raffadali.

La Patroness of the country it is remembered with solemn masses and with a procession through the streets of Raffadali, during which the faithful follow the statue barefoot. Another important moment of the celebrations is the Fera of the Sick, which recalls the intercession of the Madonna in favor of the inhabitants of the town. The Fair lasts eight days and in this period the emigrants try to return to the town, to celebrate the most important moment for the religious community together with their families.
During the Feast of the Madonna degli Infermi in Raffadali it is customary to eat a particular dish gelato ditto Little piece , cubbaita, a tasty mandorlato that can also be made with pistachio, to be purchased in the numerous stalls that are set up in the town for the occasion.

The history of the Feast of the Madonna degli Infermi in Raffadali

The history of the Feast of the Madonna degli Infermi in Raffadali begins in 1479: in this year, in fact, the Madonna appeared to a religious man in a dream, subsequently saving Raffadali from the plague. About a hundred years later another miraculous event confirmed the miracle that had already occurred in the village, in fact in the place where the villagers wanted to erect a statue in honor of the Madonna, they found a severed tree trunk, while nearby water gushed from the ground miraculous.
For centuries, therefore, the community of Raffadali has honored its patron saint with a great celebration.

When the Feast of the Madonna degli Infermi takes place in Raffadali

The Feast of the Madonna degli Infermi takes place in July, in second and third Sunday of the month. The day preceding the Festival, the second Saturday of July, also begins theEighth, in which the Fera de li Malati takes place, which lasts until the following Saturday.

Where the Feast of the Madonna degli Infermi takes place

The festival takes place in Raffadali, in the Free Municipal Consortium of Agrigento. The Masses and the main religious activities, such as the welcoming of pilgrims or the departure of the Procession, take place at the Church of Santa Elisabetta; the Procession continues through the streets of the centre.

What to do during the Feast of the Madonna degli Infermi in Raffadali

During the Feast of the Madonna degli Infermi, a holiday can be organized in the village: in this way, visitors will have the opportunity to discover the history, traditions and beauties of the village.

With an ancient history behind it, which dates back to the Stone Age, Raffadali welcomes tourists with many monuments and symbolic places to visit: the Mother Church of Santa Oliva of the XNUMXth century and the imposing Church of St. Joseph, but also the other sacred buildings in the center and even abandoned churches, but fascinating to discover.
Continuing your walk in the center, you will find the Palace of the Princes Montaperto and City Palace, Seat of the Municipality (Select). In the main squares of the town there are the most important monuments of Raffadali, such as the one ai Fallen in the Great War or that to Francesco Spoto; the ancient ones are also famous fountains of the village, all to visit: there are five and they are scattered throughout the center of Raffadali.

There are around the town archaeological sites interesting, like that of Cozzo Busone of prehistoric dating or that of Hill of Palombara, where finds from the Bronze Age have been found.

Finally, exploring the surroundings, we recommend that you also stop at the Mount Guastanella, where you can admire the remains of the Arab Castle.

In this country rich in history, tradition and art, don't forget to taste the treasures of the earth: i pistachios which made the village famous throughout the island.

How to get to Raffadali

Raffadali, in the Free Municipal Consortium of Agrigento, can be easily reached by car or train.

By car:, via the A29 Palermo-Mazara del Vallo, exit at Castelvetrano continuing towards Agrigento; on the train, get off at Agrigento Central Station, which is about 11 km from the centre, and continue the journey by bus or shuttle.