Feast of San Sebastiano in Tortorici

San Sebastiano is the patron saint of Tortoriciin province of Messina, therefore in the month of January a solemn celebration is organized to honor the Saint. This is an occasion deeply felt by the inhabitants of the village but also by those who have moved elsewhere but take advantage of this anniversary to return to the village and take part in the celebrations. Here, then, is everything you need to know to take part in the event which is not only religious but also folkloristic.

Description of the Feast of San Sebastiano in Tortorici

La Feast of San Sebastiano in Tortorici it is a very heartfelt event which, in reality, has a very rigid schedule which includes different moments which includes different moments. One of these falls there Sunday before January 20th, when the laurel parade during which the faithful who have a grace to ask for parade dressed in white and barefoot to pay honor to the Saint. The day of 20st January, instead, there is first the solemn mass which is organized in Church of Santa Maria Assunta, then a second procession begins in which this time all the political authorities of the country also participate. The day ends with the appointment of Jocu Focu, that is, fireworks.

The history linked to the Feast of San Sebastiano in Tortorici

The history that links San Sebastiano to Tortorici is very ancient given that his figure was nominated patroness of the village since 1600, according to some documents of the time. The celebration of his feast, however, has a tradition that in a certain sense can be considered more recent, given that it was born about 400 years ago, but over time it has obviously undergone changes that have contributed to creating the ritual that still today can be experienced. In particular, the La Bula demonstration it is one of the oldest ones and is also linked to the fire rituals of the peasant community, with the presence of propitiatory pagan rites to invoke a good harvest.

When the Feast of San Sebastiano takes place in Tortorici

The Feast of San Sebastiano in Tortorici is held every year on the day of 20st January which is the one in which the Catholic Church remembers his figure. However, the celebrations begin a few days before.

Where the Feast of San Sebastiano takes place in Tortorici

The Feast of San Sebastiano in Tortorici involves the entire village, given that a very important part of the event is linked to the solemn procession that carries the Saint through the streets of the town. In the main squares, however, the food and wine stands.

What to do during the Feast of San Sebastiano in Tortorici

Taking part in the Feast of San Sebastiano in Tortorici can also be the right opportunity to discover this village in the province of Messina. Obviously a visit can only start from Mother Church, inside which the statue of San Sebastiano, but also the churches of Santa Emerenziana, of San Niccolo need Saint Francis they preserve beautiful paintings and are particular from an architectural point of view. Certainly interesting, then, the Sebastiano Franchina Ethnoanthropological Museum which brings together a complete collection of work tools used over the centuries by local farmers and shepherds. In the immediate vicinity of Tortorici, then, there is the beautiful Nebrodi park or the Vallone Calagna Integral Nature Reserve above Tortorici.

How to get to Tortorici

Those who wish to get to Tortorici to take part in the Feast of San Sebastiano will be able to move easily with theauto. From Messina, Trapani and Palermo the reference road is the A20 which is then followed by the E90. From Catania, on the other hand, you must first follow the A18 and then the E45 while from Syracuse you must only take the E45.

Tortorici is also equipped with its own railway station, so everyone who wants to choose the train as a means of transport they will be able to do so without any problem. Finally, lines are also active from the main cities of Sicily local buses which connect directly to Tortorici.