Feast of San Sebastiano in Palazzolo Acreide

Welcome to Palazzolo Acreide, in the Free Municipal Consortium of Syracuse, South-Eastern Sicily: just over 8 people live here in the village of ancient Greek origins, today characteristic for its great wealth of Baroque buildings, such as the Basilica of St. Sebastian, dedicated to Patron Saint of the country, which is celebrated every year in January with the Feast of San Sebastiano in Palazzolo Acreide. This winter celebration, however, is not the only one dedicated to the Patron Saint, in fact also in the month of August there are many days of celebration in his honor.
The Feast of San Sebastiano in Palazzolo Acreide which takes place in Januaryalready begins on the day before, when the simulacrum of San Sebastiano is unveiled in front of the faithful gathered for the occasion. The following day the Festival continues with the Blessing of Bread and Laurel, then donated to those present, and with a week of celebrations in the Church.
The Feast of San Sebastiano held in summer, is famous for the great Procession of the faithful following the simulacrum of the Patron Saint and at the same time, for the lively festive atmosphere that reigns in the streets of the town, thanks to the Musical Band, the fireworks and the lively participation of all the faithful, who dance barefoot and attend many shows, such as the Motorcade.

The story linked to the Feast of San Sebastiano in Palazzolo Acreide

The days of San Sebastiano in Palazzolo Acreide are among the most awaited by the whole community: the cult dedicated to the Saint is deeply felt in the town and has its roots in Palazzolo's past. In particular, it will be remembered that the month of August is one of the most important for agricultural communities and in Palazzolo Acreide, this was precisely the period in which the Feast of the Madonna Odigitria, the ancient patroness of the village, was celebrated until the 1718th century. But in XNUMX the community decided to change things, setting the Feast of San Sebastiano in the month of August.
San Sebastiano, who lived in the third century AD was a Roman soldier martyred in Rome for not wanting to renounce his faith.

When the Feast of San Sebastiano takes place in Palazzolo Acreide

The Feast of San Sebastiano in Palazzolo Acreide is celebrated on 20 January and 10 August; each date is followed by a whole week of celebrations in the village, both in the Church and in the squares.

Where the Feast of San Sebastiano takes place in Palazzolo Acreide

The Feast of San Sebastiano on January 20 is celebrated above all in the Church, at the Basilica of San Sebastiano, with the Blessing of the Bread which takes place in the churchyard; the Festa of 10 August is instead a great demonstration in the square, where the joyful atmosphere of the Festa can be breathed in all the streets of the town.

What to do during the Feast of San Sebastiano in Palazzolo Acreide

Gathering in prayer and following the Procession in honor of San Sebastiano are the first things to do for those who want to participate in the Festival. Then, run straight to the centre, to discover the other beauties of Palazzolo, such as the Basilica of San Paolo, where you will be mesmerized by the magnificent purple interiors and the Mother Church of San Nicola, where in addition to the beauty of the Church, you can discover its very long history, which began in the XIII century.
If there are many churches in the town, there are also civil buildings to make Palazzolo Acreide the perfect destination for a journey of discovery. So don't miss stops like those at the Medieval castle and Judica Palace or the balcony of Cafici Palace, one of the longest in the world.

How is it possible to get to the Feast of San Sebastiano in Palazzolo Acreide

Palazzolo Acreide is reached on the train, getting off at Ragusa Station, which is about 22 km away and is connected to the center by the shuttle bus; alternatively, those who prefer to travel with the own car, can take the Catania-Siracusa motorway, taking the exit for Priolo-Gargallo Sud-Florida or the A18 Messina-Catania, exiting towards Melilli, and then follow the road signs that lead to Palazzolo Acreide.