Feast of San Leone in Sinagra

La Feast of San Leone in Sinagra it is an unmissable event not only for the local faithful, but also for those who intend to rediscover a tradition with a strong historical and cultural impact. Let's find out the salient phases of a very important event such as the patronal feast in Sinagra.

What is the Feast of San Leone in Sinagra

As previously stated, the patronal feast in Sinagra is dedicated to San Leone, protector of the town of Messina. On the occasion of the celebration during the evening of Easter Sunday, statue of the Saint is brought from the local church to the center of the village, conducted quickly and on the shoulders during the so-called Miracles of Santu Liu. Holy Monday, the moment of the culmination of the celebration arrives, with musical parades, religious processions, games and shows.

Over 8000 people a year take part in an event that has become essential in the town of Messina. Then, the statue is brought back to the entrance of the town following a slow procession lasting four hours. Here Easter Monday is celebrated a day late because Holy Monday is held there Easter Monday Fair. Finally, on the occasion of the remembrance of the patron saint, L '8st May a further procession is celebrated with the faithful shouting Viva Santu Liu, asking for grace for his miracles.

Brief history of the event

La Feast of San Leo it is dedicated to the life of the saint of the same name. He was born in Ravenna in 710 and was bishop in Catania and Reggio Calabria. He is celebrated because he allegedly lived in a Sinagra cave during the latter period of his existence. According to legend, some inhabitants of Catania tried to steal the remains of the Saint, but were sent home after spending the whole night walking. Upon realizing this, they were forced to give up.

When the patronal feast is held in Sinagra

The Feast of San Leone in Sinagra is generally celebrated on8st May, with the rite of the Miracles of Santu Liu, the statue is carried in procession with the faithful praising the Saint and his miracles. However, the celebrations already start on 20 February with the procession relating to the relics of San Leone. Also, during the Easter evening, the statue of the city protector is carried from the Church of San Leone to the center of the town of Messina, with the faithful having to take two steps forward and one back in homage to the Saint's doubts as to whether or not to return to Catania. The Holy Monday, here is the procession through the local streets.

Where the initiative takes place

The patronal feast in Sinagra takes place within the homonymous town located in the province of Messina. Today Sinagra has about 2500 inhabitants and is located in the extreme north of Sicily, almost landlocked.

What to do during the party

On the occasion of the Feast of San Leone, it is possible taste some typical dishes places and enjoy some interesting experiences, from walks in the town center to the discovery of various cultural poles. From the Mother Church of San Michele Arcangelo al baronial palace, passing through the castle, the points of historical and cultural interest are not lacking. Here tourism has grown exponentially in recent years thanks to the presence of Capo d'Orlando. Furthermore, just move a few kilometers to reach interesting towns such as Ficarra, Tortorici and Castell'Umberto.

How to reach Sinagra

To travel to Sinagra, you can take by car the A20 and exit at Brolo-Capo d'Orlando Est, about 7 kilometers away from the city centre.
Who travels on train it can arrive at two railway stations a dozen kilometers from the town, located in Capo d'Orlando Naso and Patti-San Pietro. By plane, the airports of Reggio Calabria and Catania are available at about 70 kilometers.