Feast of San Gregorio Magno

The city of San Gregorio di Catania takes its name from its Patron Saint, one of the most iconic figures of the Christian religion, as well as 64th Pope of the Catholic Church. The Pope's mother is said to have been born in Sicilia, right around the town that today bears his name.

The patron saint of the city is celebrated on the occasion of Feast of San Gregorio Magno, a religious event capable of transmitting unique emotions and addressing various cultural and historical themes, useful for making you better acquainted with the atmosphere of this city.

When does the Feast of San Gregorio Magno take place?

The Feast of San Gregorio Magno always takes place on the day of Easter Monday, therefore at the end of the Easter holidays, which in San Gregorio di Catania are celebrated with numerous activities.

You can take advantage of the opportunity to choose this area as a destination for yours Easter holidays in Sicily, so as to participate in the various events that alternate during the period, and then conclude your stay with the commemoration of Patron Saint of San Gregorio of Catania.

Where does the Feast of San Gregorio Magno take place?

The main protagonist of the Feast of San Gregorio Magno is the Chiesa dell'Immacolata, located in the homonymous square in the historic center of San Gregorio di Catania.

This is the same square that hosts another important event, Meatballs in Festival, the food and wine event that intends to promote not only the art behind the preparation of meatballs, but also to discover the Sicilian territory through its flavors and its typical products.

What to do at the Feast of San Gregorio Magno?

Already in the days preceding the Feast of San Gregorio Magno, the city of San Gregorio di Catania is in a festive atmosphere, thanks to the Easter activities that always cheer up young and old.
Specifically, during the Patronal Feast you will be able to fully enjoy all that Gregory the Great represents for his faithful. Certainly their moving participation will not escape you, especially on the occasion of the religious procession that sees the Simulacrum of San Gregorio Magno cross the streets of the city.

On this day there is another tradition, which for over 300 years has accompanied the patronal celebrations and those of Easter Monday. The Easter Monday, for San Gregorio di Catania, also means "Fera o' Luni”, the dialectal term whose etymology is “Monday Fair".

At this fair you will have the opportunity to find stands from all over Sicily, with farmers and breeders intent on showing you and letting you taste all the goodness of the area. THE Sicilian food they will be that something extra that will make this day unforgettable and incredibly tasty.

How to get to the Feast of San Gregorio Magno?

To get to San Gregorio di Catania you will have many options at your disposal. The city is about 10 km from both Catania that Acireale, while from Aci Castello it is just 5 km away. Going through the European Route 45 you can arrive both from Catania and from Messina, while if you move from the center of Sicily you can cross the Highway 121, or the Provincial Road 144 if you are already near San Gregorio di Catania.

If you prefer to travel by public transport, you can count on the presence of Sicilian bus lines, with rides that take you to San Gregorio di Catania from anywhere on the island.
Arriving in Sicily you can land atCatania Fontanarossa Airport, where national and international air routes converge.