Feast of San Rocco in Motta d'Affermo

Patronal celebrations and festivals are always among the most awaited events in Sicilian municipalities, especially in the smaller ones, in the ancient medieval villages such as Motta d'Affermo, who have the opportunity to show you their history, culture and landscapes simply thanks to an event.
This is also the case with Feast of San Rocco, the holiday dedicated not only to Patron saint of Motta d'Affermo but also to all the Mottese traditions, which boast such continuity over the centuries that they are more current than ever.

When the Feast of San Rocco takes place in Motta d'Affermo

The main day of the Feast of San Rocco is August 16th, even if its activities have been taking place since August 7th, with the beginning of the novena, and then expanding its appointments on August 15th, the day before.
This event is perfect if you have yet to choose where to spend the next one Ferragosto in Sicily, being able to find Motta d'Affermo is a mountain location, as it is included in the territory of Nebrodi, which is a seaside town, given that it is located just 10 km from Messina Tyrrhenian coast.

Where the Feast of San Rocco takes place in Motta d'Affermo

The Feast of San Rocco is the event that will give you the opportunity to discover much of the Motta d'Affermo area and its main monuments.
In fact, the event is divided into many activities carried out in the main churches of the medieval village, from Church of San Rocco to the Church of Maria Santissima delle Grazie, also passing through the beautiful Mother Church of Maria Santissima degli Angeli, placed in historic center of Motta d'Affermo.

What to do at the Feast of San Rocco in Motta d'Affermo

Since it is a religious event, most of its activities focus on the folklore of the area and on the most ancient traditions, recalling the historical glories dating back to origins of Motta d'Affermo.
The 7th of August begins novena, which ends on August 15th, for everyone the day of the Feast of Maria Santissima delle Grazie, in which a religious procession is organized which lasts until the evening, where the traditional performance of the musical band takes place, in preparation for the event of the following day .

August 16th is finally the day of the Feast of San Rocco, already at dawn, with the typical Pilgrim's Mass. A few hours later it begins Procession of Miracles, in which all colors take part have received a grace from San Rocco, so much so that many of them participate barefoot, as a sign of devotion.

Among the general ovation it is possible to hear the anthem of the faithful with the typical "Viva Santu Roccu", accompanied by fireworks and the musical band.
Among the moments richest in folklore we also point out the Historical Cavalcade, a parade made up entirely of horses that are accompanied through the historic center of Motta d'Affermo together with the banner depicting San Rocco.
There will certainly be no shortage of opportunities to enjoy the Sicilian food and enjoy live shows in which various local and non-local guests will take part, including singers and comedians.

How to get to Motta d'Affermo for the Feast of San Rocco

Attending the activities of the Festival of San Rocco is very easy, thanks to the many connections that serve the town of Motta d'Affermo, such as the Provincial Road 173 , Provincial Road 174, also crossed by the buses of Sicilian Transport Company AST.

Just 10 km away is the Castel di Tusa railway station, served by numerous regional trains traveling on the Sicilian Tyrrhenian coast.
If you are forced to travel by plane to reach Sicily, then you can evaluate the stopover at theCatania Fontanarossa Airport or atPalermo Falcone e Borsellino Airport, both located approximately 130 km from Motta d'Affermo.
Messina it is located about 140 km away, thanks to which you can move throughout its territory quickly and easily, given that it boasts a large number of connections to move anywhere in Sicily.