Feast of the Madonna della Neve in Francofonte

La Our Lady of the Snows and the Patron Saint of Francofonte (Franfonti in Sicilian dialect), a town of just over ten thousand inhabitants located in the province of Syracuse.
This anniversary is deeply felt by the local community, as they love to remember a miracle performed by the Virgin Mary.

History of the Feast of the Madonna della Neve in Francofonte

La Feast of the Madonna della Neve in Francofonte it was celebrated for the first time in 1570, when the parish priest Don Antonio Busca was vicar of the aforementioned locality.
Of this Patron Saint there is also a painting on a lime table dating back to the fifteenth century and the latter is covered with silver angels made by a local goldsmith during the first half of the seventeenth century.

But that's not all: in Via Diaz, 27, there is anewsstand dedicated to the Saint, above which there is a date, namely the 1836.
According to an ancient legend, during the month of August of that year, a miraculous episode occurred: on the night of the 2nd a silver lamperi was stolen located inside the votive chapel dedicated precisely to the Madonna della Neve.
The theft left all the faithful dismayed and during the usual procession on August 5th they tried to lift the fercolo to carry it on their shoulders, but without success.
This sign was interpreted as the will of the Holy Woman to remain in the place and at a certain point they noticed a dog intent on scratching the ground and bringing to light the lamperì stolen a few days earlier, arousing great collective emotion.
Finally, when the processional procession was coming towards the Mother Church, here all the candles were lit and the bells started ringing without any human intervention.

When the Feast of the Madonna della Neve takes place in Francofonte

The celebrations for the Madonna della Neve in Francofonte begin on August 5st and end on the XNUMXth, when the usual processional procession takes place with the image of the Patron Saint, which is triumphantly brought out of the Mother Church.
In the evening, however, both a historical procession called the Giro dei Santi and a fireworks display are planned.

Where the Feast of the Madonna della Neve takes place in Francofonte

The Feast of the Madonna della Neve in Francofonte takes place both inside the Mother Church, located in the city center, and in all its main streets, in order to involve as many people as possible.

What to do during the Feast of the Madonna della Neve in Francofonte

The Festa della Madonna della Neve in Francofonte is an authentic riot of dancing, singing and entertainment shows, as it is a highly anticipated event throughout the year, during which there is no shortage of stalls where to buy the typical delicacies Sicilian gastronomy.

How to get to the Feast of the Madonna della Neve in Francofonte

The town of Frankfurt is located about sixty kilometers from Syracuse and, if you wish to reach it by car, take the E45 motorway, head towards the Lentini–Carlentini exit and continue on State Road 194.