Feast of San Giuseppe in Villabate

La Feast of San Giuseppe in Villabate, is the event where the patron saint of the city is honored every year. Near the city of Palermo, the center of Villabate attracts many tourists, curious and devotees.

Description of the Feast of San Giuseppe

Like other towns, too Villabate it is customary to honor her patron saint which, specifically, is San Giuseppe. The celebrations take place precisely on March 19 and their fulcrum is represented by a large city procession where the simulacrum is transported. A wooden statue made by Bagnasco runs through the most important streets of Villabate.
He takes care of the transport and accompaniment of the fercolo Brotherhood of St. Joseph the Worker who, as per tradition, anticipates the transport by bringing a large stick entirely decorated with flowers which is carried by a person in charge of this task. He is followed by other local brotherhoods as well as the civil authorities, military representatives and the population of Villabate. It is a thank you to St. Joseph for the graces received.
The kermesse opens on 18 March after a lunch offered by one of the confreres who has put himself on the list to host the porters. After the meal, they go through the main streets singing and shooting firecrackers to show everyone the richly decorated stick. This event will open a procession of faithful preceded by country band, which will stop from time to time at the request of the participants. The exhibited stick consists of a two-meter-high pole of fir wood, equipped with a handle for transport. This stick is adorned with flowers, fruit and vegetables and a decoration representing the altar with the Saint is affixed to its centre. To be able to transport it, it is necessary to make use of robust confrati since the stick weighs about seventy kilos and must be carried on the shoulder in turn by skilled bearers easily recognizable by a blue band that is wrapped around the waist.
The following day, the rite of procession takes place which sees the return to the church of the simulacrum, the most important moment also because everyone wants to take a flower or an ornament from the great blessed stick.

The story linked to the Feast of San Giuseppe

It is a tradition of profane origin, even if the intention is to arouse the attention of the Saint so that he protects the crops of the next seasons so that they are prosperous and abundant.
In essence it is a propitiatory rite originated from the peasants of countryside of Villabate since ancient times that has continued up to the present day.

When the Feast of San Giuseppe takes place in Villabate

La Feast of San Giuseppe in Villabate is held on March 19 on the occasion of the name day of patron saint of Villabate, the protector of orphans, unmarried girls and the poor.

Where the Feast of San Giuseppe takes place

The event winds through the streets of the historic center of Villabate and the 18 day the 19.

What to do during the Feast of San Giuseppe in Villabate

In addition to participating as a spectator in the event relating to the holiday, you could take advantage of the opportunity to visit the splendid Palermo, following an itinerary planned according to one's needs and personal criteria.
It can be a splendid opportunity to explore places already visited or to discover new ones or, perhaps, to take a food and wine tour in search of the delicacies of traditional and local cuisine.
However, it is very interesting to visit some religious buildings such as the Church of Sant'Agata and Parish Church of San Giuseppe di Villabate as, inside them, you can admire admirable works of art.

How to get to Villabate

By car:
From Messina: take the A20 motorway to the Villabate exit or, alternatively, the SS113 to the Acquedolci exit.
From Catania: take the A19 Palermo - Catania motorway to the Villabate exit