Feast of San Calogero in Campofranco

One of the most venerated saints in Sicily, San Calogero he is patron of campofranco, where the local community dedicated him well a month of celebrations to gain the indulgence of the Saint, thanking him for his protection. An unmissable opportunity to visit and experience Campofranco during the summer, with its old charm, in an event that reconciles tradition, faith and folklore.

History of the Feast of San Calogero and Bread Puppet Festival in Campofranco

It has been at least since11 January 1693 that Campofranco thanks the Saint for the intercession that saved the city from the terrible earthquake that occurred that very day. One was born renowned festival and which attracts the attention of tourists and visitors, thanks also to the concomitant Bread puppet festival. The connection between the miracle-working saint and the main food is very ancient, and in Campofranco it finds its moment rich in history and flavour.

When the San Calogero Festival takes place in Campofranco

July it is the month entirely dedicated by the Campofranchesi to the "rich" San Calogero, with the culmination of the festival falling inlast Sunday of the month. For thirty days, every evening, a large crowd of devotees attend mass in the church of the ancient Franciscan convent, today dedicated to San Calogero, reciting vespers and singing «Faithful to Calogero, run with faith, while He knows how to accomplish sublime portents."

Where the Feast of San Calogero and the Bread Puppet Festival take place in Campofranco

The center of religious celebrations is the Church of San Calogero, formerly the Church of San Francesco, as it was annexed to the ancient convent of this religious order. But the entire city of Campofranco is involved in the moments of the celebration, including the Bread Puppet Festival which represents an almost unique event of its kind.

What to do at the San Calogero Festival and Bread Puppet Festival in Campofranco

Following the San Calogero Festival in Campofranco is a way to get to know and fully experience this community timeless rituals that are repeated from over three centuries. The day of celebrations begins very early, as thereception of pilgrims who arrive, strictly on foot, also from many neighboring places.

It is not at all uncommon to see devotees arriving barefoot: it is in fact expected that at least once in a lifetime the journey from one's home to the Sanctuary of San Calogero, near the ancient Franciscan convent, is made barefoot, with the rosary in hand. The children wear the typical white dresses with black buttons, and donations are collected for the “missa cuculuta” .

The stands exhibit: “bread puppets” : from the custom of offering bread to thank the Saint for the harvest, or to celebrate a recovery, over time we have moved on to giving loaves of bread, ranging in size from 50 centimeters up to over two metres, human features. If, in fact, previously they only reported the appearance of the healed body part, for a long time now the "pupi" have been real anthropomorphic loaves. The bread, blessed, will then be offered to those present, eaten as it is or seasoned with oil, pepper and fresh cheese.

No one ever refuses bread: in fact, it is believed that, otherwise, the Saint would become angry, hitting the "culprit" with his silver stick, visible in the simulacrum that the bearers carry in procession along the streets of the city from the Sanctuary to the Mother Church, and finally along the reverse route, greeted by wings of enthusiastic crowds.

How to get to the Feast of San a Campofranco

Reaching Campofranco for the San Calogero Festival is possible in multiple ways. Street train, with the railway station, located near the town centre, which is part of the line Palermo - Agrigento, allowing you to land from the two cities or from the intermediate stations. It is also possible to arrive by vehicle or bus, thanks to ss 189 and to sp 20, 20 bis, 21, 24 and 130.

For those arriving by plane, the closest airport isPalermo Falcone e Borsellino Airport, 130 km away. Just over 140 km away is thePio La Torre airport in Comiso, while they are both about 180 km away both theVincenzo Bellini Airport of Catania that l 'Trapani Vincenzo Florio Airport.