Feast of San Sebastiano in Mistretta

San Sebastiano is the patron saint of Mistretta and its inhabitants are very devoted to the saint. For this reason they celebrate it twice during the year: the 20st January and August 18th. On both dates, the village is transformed into a blaze of colours, a perfect mix of faith and folklore. Here, then, are all the details of both appointments and some more information to take part in patronal feast of San Sebastiano in Mistretta.

Description of the Feast of San Sebastiano in Mistretta

La patronal feast of Mistretta it is held in two different periods of the year, although the one that most attracts a large audience is that of August 18, also known as 'ranni party' or 'vutu party' and is part of those celebrations dedicated to Our Lady of Light. In both cases, the culmination of the festival is linked to the procession that is organized with the statue of the saint, which is carried around for all downtown alleys. In particular, the much appreciated August event is also the final moment of the celebrations, when fireworks are organized in honor of the patron saint.

The story linked to the Feast of San Sebastiano in Mistretta

The celebrations in honor of San Sebastiano in Mistretta they have always been there, ever since the saint was chosen as protector of the town in the seventeenth century, as his protection was invoked from a terrible plague epidemic which effectively ended suddenly. From that moment the saint is considered a fundamental figure for the life of the Nebrodian village and therefore every year honors are paid to him on the two days dedicated to him. That of August, in particular, sees the return home of many immigrants who have left Mistretta for work reasons but who do not give up on returning to honor the patron saint.

When the patronal feast of Mistretta takes place

The patronal feast of Mistretta has two dates, on 20 January and 18 August. In the first case, it is celebrated on the day when San Sebastiano is celebrated by the Catholic church, while in the second the appointment given by the Eastern church is celebrated. On both dates, solemn celebrations are organized with events also held on the days immediately preceding them.

Where the Feast of San Sebastiano takes place in Mistretta

The celebrations for the feast of San Sebastiano in Mistretta are held throughout the country and involve every corner of the Old Town, although obviously the starting point is the church dedicated to the saint, in via Libertà, where the statue that is carried in procession is also kept.

What to do during the patronal feast of Mistretta

A very particular moment of the celebrations in honor of San Sebastiano is that of the so-called 'rated'. During this procession, 70 faithful, dressed in traditional clothes, carry the statue of the saint on their shoulders, running through the streets of the town. The possibility of being included in this group known as purtants is considered a great honour, so much so that the position is handed down from father to son. Another particular moment is that of pinata game, which is done after the statue has returned to the church and the celebration of Holy Mass: it consists in breaking, blindfolded, some "pine cones" filled with gifts that are hung outside the church square. The party then continues with food and wine stands and the inevitable fireworks.

How to get to Mistretta

To reach the village and take part in the feast of San Sebastiano in Mistretta, you can travel with your own car auto.

From Messina and Palermo the way to go is the A20 and then continue on the E90, while those coming from Catania will simply have to take the A19 to their destination.
From Syracuse, beyond the 19 motorway it is necessary to continue on the E932, finally those coming from Agrigento must have the Ss640 as a reference.
Mistretta even has its own railway station, which it shares with the municipality of Santo Stefano di Camastra and which is located along the axis that connects Messina to Palermo, so it is also easily accessible by train and with the service of bus numbers premises offered by AST which connects the village to the main centers of the island.