Feast of San Michele in Grammichele

grammichele is a town of about 12 inhabitants in the Metropolitan City of Catania, famous for the hexagonal shape of its plant, but also for the large Patron Saint which every year the faithful celebrate in May. The Feast of St. Michael it takes place over three days between processions, prayers, fireworks and live music concerts.

I Patron Saints of Grammichele are St Michael and St Catherine, to whom the is entitled Mother Church of the country. The statue of the Virgin is brought to this Church, carried by the faithful of the town's confraternities who, a few days before the Feast, take charge of the statue at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, accompanying it to the statues of the Patron Saints.

On the evening of the party, in the churchyard of the Mother Church, the Patron Saints are joyfully greeted by the faithful, with fireworks, balloons and colored cards; from here begins the procession through the streets of the town, to the rhythm of music. The Procession ends when the statue of the Virgin is taken back to her Church, while the simulacra of the Patron Saints return to the Mother Church. The evening ends with a live musical show and fireworks in the night.

The history of the Feast of San Michele in Grammichele

San Michele is the patron saint of the town, protector from earthquakes. The importance of him in the town is great, in fact since the time of its foundation, the town remembers its Patron every year: born following the destruction of Occhiolà due to the earthquake of 1693.

The date of the Feast of St. Michael it is linked to the apparition of the Saint on the Gargano and the patronal feast is celebrated on the same day as Co-patroness, Saint Catherine of Alexandria.

When the Feast of San Michele takes place in Grammichele

The Feast of San Michele takes place every year on 6, 7 and 8 May, but every day from 1 to 9 there are religious demonstrations in which the faithful can participate. All activities start at 9 in the morning and continue until the evening; on May 8, the culminating date of the Festival, the Procession begins at 19pm.

Where the Feast of San Michele takes place in Grammichele

Grammichele, in the Metropolitan City of Catania, is located about 520 meters above sea level. The address to remember is Piazza Carlo Maria Carafa (where the Mother Church is located), but other symbolic places of the festival are the churches of the town and the Grammichele sports center, where competitions and sporting events are held for the occasion.

What to do during the Feast of San Michele in Grammichele

Gather in prayer with the local faithful: you will be able to feel all the devotion of the community and you will be overwhelmed by the joy of the faithful in celebration. Take part in the Procession, discover the sacred places of Grammichele and then don't miss the opportunity to explore the center of such a particular town! Unique example in Italy of rational urban architecture, Grammichele offers you various attractions, from Mother Church to the Statue of Prince Carafa, from Town Hall al Sanctuary of the Madonna del Piano, just outside the country.

Around the centre, you will discover other towns to explore, such as Vizzini, Licodia Eubea, Buccheri and Buscemi, while without going too far from the centre, you can reach the Badia mill or the Finocchiara nature park. There is something for all tastes at Grammichele: the table too, of course, reserves delicious surprises for you. The local specialty is sausage, so you will find excellent cured meats everywhere, as well as wine, oil and desserts, to be enjoyed on the spot or to take home.

How to get to the Feast of San Michele in Grammichele

Grammichele is located in the Metropolitan City of Catania. The center is easily reached by car or on the train. The closest railway station is that of Ragusa, 33 km from the centre; the connection is via bus or shuttle. If you travel by car, you will arrive from Catania in about an hour via the SS 417 and the SS 385, while from Palermo the necessary time is about 3 hours, passing through the A19 and the E932.