Feast of San Sebastiano in Gaggi

In the month of August in Gaggi, in the Metropolitan City of Messina, San Sebastiano is celebrated Patron Saint of the country.

The day of Feast of San Sebastiano in Gaggi the entire religious community gathers in a great celebration, which takes place not only in the Church, but also in the main streets of the village.
During the evening mass in honor of the Patron Saint, the faithful pay homage to San Sebastiano with flowers and songs and at the end of the function everyone gathers in the street, under the lights, to follow the Procession of the Vara with the simulacrum of the saint. The procession crosses the town, stopping for the blessing of the faithful, before returning to the church.
In the night, after greeting the Patron Saint with music and songs, the celebration ends under the light of fireworks.

The history of the Feast of San Sebastiano in Gaggi

Il cult of San Sebastiano it is widespread throughout Sicily and especially in Gaggi, near Taormina: in fact, the very strong link between the population of Gaggi and San Sebastiano seems to derive from this city. In the XNUMXth century, when the plague tormented these areas, by asking for the intercession of San Sebastiano, foreigners from Taormina managed to save themselves from the disease and, to thank the Saint, they built a church in his honor in the territory of Gaggi.

Today celebration of the patron saint for the faithful it is above all an occasion for spiritual reflection, a moment of prayer and joy for sharing an important religious event.

When the Feast of San Sebastiano takes place in Gaggi

The Feast of San Sebastiano in Gaggi takes place every year in second Sunday in August, with the evening Mass in honor of the Patron Saint. After the religious function, the procession of the faithful begins following the San Sebastiano parade in the Messina night.

Where the Feast of San Sebastiano takes place in Gaggi

The Feast of San Sebastiano in Gaggi takes place in Church of San Sebastiano, where the clay statue of the Patron Saint is preserved.

What to do during the Feast of San Sebastiano in Gaggi

During the Feast of San Sebastiano in Gaggi, tourists can discover all the enthusiasm of the local community which celebrates its Patron Saint: by joining the local faithful, visitors will be able to participate in a unique celebration. Furthermore, a visit to Gaggi during the period of Patron Saint it is also the perfect opportunity to visit the churches of the town, such as the Mother Church of Maria Santissima Annunziata (XNUMXth century) or the Church of San Giuseppe Operaio, as well as allowing you to discover the beautiful sea of Wonder Coast and the splendid Taormina, just 14 km from Gaggi.

From the town, with a short walk, you can reach the Antico Borgo Cavallaro, a very fascinating area, characterized above all by alleys and Arab-style streets: it is here that, among low houses close to each other, stands the splendid building of the Church of Santa Maria SS. Annunziata. Another building to visit in Gaggi is the Old Jail of the XNUMXth century, where you can admire the lava stone staircase from Etna, built with material extracted in the surroundings of the town, to give the staircase a monumental appearance. A few steps from the prison, you will find the Palace of the Marquis of Schisò, while among all these buildings there are i dammusi, secret underground passages which were used by the nobility in case of need and which still today connect the town with the banks of theAlcantara.

Between culture and nature, in Sicily, however, we must not forget the good food, which is why we advise you to stop at at least one of the many local farms, where you can taste local products such as preserves or cured meats.

How to get to the Feast of San Sebastiano in Gaggi

Gaggi, in the Metropolitan City of Messina, can be easily reached by car or by train. Those traveling by car can take the A18 Messina-Catania and take the exit for Giardini Naxos, just 4,8 km from the town; on the train, it is possible to book a ticket for Taormina station, about 5,6 km from the centre, to continue the journey by bus or shuttle.