Feast of Sant'Antonio in Messina

In June, Messina celebrates the Saint of Miracles: one of the most heartfelt celebrations in the city is the one in honor of Saint Anthony of Padua, which is remembered and honored with a Procession, with Masses, prayers and devotion and even with a White Night.

La Feast of Sant'Antonio in Messina it is one of the most eagerly awaited religious events by the faithful and the perfect occasion for tourists to find themselves at the center of a great manifestation of faith, characterized by traditional elements that make this Festival truly special: the ancient Church of San Francesco all'Immacolata is the starting point, the place where all the faithful gather while awaiting the start of the Procession. Here, from via Boccetta, in fact, the great triumphal chariot will leave following the relics of Sant'Antonio, going around the streets of the city; there are thousands of faithful who will follow the fercolo, coming from the city, from the villages, but also from the closest regions, such as Calabria.

To anyone who participates in the Feast of Sant'Antonio in Messina, blessed sandwiches are offered, by virtue of an ancient tradition and those in need, on this feast day, can contact the Saint asking for grace.

The story linked to the Feast of Sant'Antonio in Messina

The Feast of Sant'Antonio in Messina is an ancient tradition that lives on every year in the streets of Messina: the history of this Feast begins with Saint Hannibal Mary of France, who lived between the second half of the XNUMXth century and the early XNUMXth century. It was he who wanted the realization of the Basilica of Messina dedicated to Sant'Antonio and of the statue with the features of the Saint.

The devotion to St. Anthony of Padua in Messina is such that the faithful perceive the saint as their fellow citizen or, better still, as their patron. The tradition of the blessed bread and it is therefore no coincidence, if even today that of Sant'Antonio is one of the most popular festivals in the city.

The first triumphal chariot to follow the relics of Sant'Antonio, it was built in Messina in 1931, while the one that is still carried by the faithful today was built in 1946; the relics of the Saint were, however, a gift from the Basilica of Padua to the Basilica of Messina.

When the Feast of Sant'Antonio takes place in Messina

The Feast of Sant'Antonio in Messina takes place every year on 13nd June.

Where the Feast of Sant'Antonio takes place in Messina

The Feast of Sant'Antonio in Messina begins at the Church of San Francesco all'Immacolata, in Via Boccetta n.53. The Procession touches the main streets of the centre.

What to do during the Feast of Sant'Antonio in Messina

During the Feast of Sant'Antonio in Messina it is possible to gather in prayer, participate in the procession and experience the festive atmosphere that reigns in Messina, also taking advantage of a visit to the center and to enjoy the White Night.

In Messina there are many monuments to discover around Via Boccetta, attractions to visit before the Procession begins: Villa Mazzini, Fountain of Neptune and the sea promenade are not far from the Church of San Francesco all'Immacolata; after having explored the nearest beauties, a stay in Messina will allow you to see many other attractions, such as the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta (the marvelous XNUMXth century Cathedral) and the Church of the Annunciation of the Catalans, without forgetting of course a stop at the Basilica-Sanctuary of Sant'Antonio of Padua.

There are many churches, sanctuaries and sacred places in Messina, but in the center there is no shortage of civil architecture, which are also beautiful stops on a tour to discover the city; here then we suggest some destinations like Palazzo Zanca (the seat of the Town Hall), Cerruti-Bisazza Palace and Palace of the Prefecture, before letting yourself be enchanted by all the magnificent buildings that you will encounter during a walk in the heart of Messina. In the centre, you can also make a delicious gastronomic tour, to discover the best flavors of Sicily.

How is it possible to get to the Feast of Sant'Antonio in Messina

Messina, in north-eastern Sicily, can be reached on the train, getting off directly at Messina Central Station, or in the car, taking the exit for Messina-Boccetta from the A20 Messina-Buonfornello.