Feast of San Cono in Naso

Il the first of September of each year, all the people originating from Nose they pursue the aim of venerating their own patron saint and fellow citizen San Cono, whose statue characterized by dark skin is carried in procession through the main streets of the aforementioned locality.

History of the Feast of San Cono a Naso

San Cono was a Basilian monk, who later became abbot and is depicted with black skin because, according to what was narrated by aancient legend, frightened the Turks and made them desist from invading the territory.
He was born to a rich family and when his parents died he sold everything to distribute the entire proceeds to poor people.
After a brief stay inside a monastery, he chose to live as a hermit in the cave of San Michele.
His tranquility, however, was disturbed by a young sinner who accused him of molestation and he was therefore brought before a judge to be flogged, but the latter ordered his release because, in addition to knowing his sanctity, he noticed a covered body with wounds and surrounded by sackcloth.
The people therefore accompanied him back in triumph to the place where he had been taken.
Finally, on the day of his death at the venerable age of 97, i.e. March 28, 1236 (it was a Good Friday), the bells began to ring without being touched by any person.
It should also be noted that the San Cono a Naso Festival is registered with Register of Intangible Heritage of the Sicily Region from 3 April 2014.

When the Feast of San Cono a Naso takes place

The Feast of San Cono a Naso is celebrated on the first of September every year, even if the ceremonies begin as early as the end of August with the usual pilgrimage to Rocca d'Almo, the place where the Patron Saint retreated into a cave to lead the life of a hermit.

Where the Feast of San Cono a Naso takes place

The celebration takes place in Naso, a Sicilian town in the province of Messina which has just under four thousand inhabitants.

What to do during the San Cono a Naso Festival

If you decide to join the local community to take part in the San Cono a Naso Festival, it is recommended to go inside the church of the same name, as its basement houses a fabulous chapel of relics in Baroque and decorated both with various paintings made by Conone Navacita depicting the wonders, and with marble.
As regards instead the Temple of San Cono, houses the statue of San Cono, who, together with his relics, are carried in an engaging torchlight procession.
The start of the celebrations is announced by the firing of twenty-one cannon shots, after which there are Holy Masses, musical performances with bands and shows in the square.

How to get to the San Cono a Naso Festival

Naso is just over an hour awayauto from Messina and to reach the town you need to cross the A20/E90 motorway.
If you want to arrive on the train, just go to Messina Centrale station and get off at the Capo d'Orlando-Naso stop. In this case the journey takes about an hour