Feast of Sant'Onofrio in Casalvecchio Siculo

The gaze concentrated, but turned with devotion towards the Most High, the long beard and the hands clasped in prayer: this is how it appears in the silver simulacrum Sant'Onofrio, Patron saint of Casalvecchio Siculo, the country of Valle d'Agro in the Metropolitan City of Messina, which celebrates its Patron Saint in September.

The Feast of Sant'Onofrio in Casalvecchio Siculo is an ancient event, with a fascinating atmosphere, in which the whole town takes part, also accompanied by many inhabitants of the nearby villages; the affection and devotion that the faithful feel towards the Patron Saint are demonstrated by the Church that bears his name, by the statues that reproduce his features and by the Patron Saint, which culminates in the evening procession of the simulacrum through the main streets of Casalvecchio Siculo. Even before that, however, on the Friday preceding the Festival, a solemn Mass is held in Contrada Pestarriu, while on the Sunday of the Festival the Camel donation, with a fabric puppet whose features recall the nearby village of Savoca: the camel, beaten and tamed, is finally donated to the Camel Driver, who represents Casalvecchio Siculo.

Not just a religious event, the Feast of Sant'Onofrio in Casalvecchio Siculo is also a great popular event with music, shows and games in the square.

The history of the Feast of Sant'Onofrio in Casalvecchio Siculo

The Feast of Sant'Onofrio in Casalvecchio Siculo has ancient origins, dating back to 1743, when the town was hit by a plague epidemic: to save themselves, the faithful decided to go in procession through the Valley, asking for the intercession of Sant'Onofrio Anacoreta and offering in exchange the promise of creating a precious statue with the features of the Saint in life size. This is how the silver statue of Sant'Onofrio was born, together with the widespread cult in the town.

When the Feast of Sant'Onofrio takes place in Casalvecchio Siculo

The Feast of Sant'Onofrio takes place every year in second Sunday of September.

Where the Feast of Sant'Onofrio takes place in Casalvecchio Siculo

The Sunday Procession in honor of Sant'Onofrio Eremita takes place along the main streets of the town, while on Friday the route of the simulacrum winds through the streets of Contrada Pestarriu.

What to do during the Feast of Sant'Onofrio in Casalvecchio Siculo

By participating in the Feast of Sant'Onofrio in Casalvecchio Siculo you discover a lot about the town and the community that lives there: the religious traditions, but also the musical shows and games in the square, you listen to the stories of the local inhabitants and make friends with them.

Before the holiday ends, you will also have the opportunity to explore the town: Casalvecchio Siculo stands out above all for the beauties of nature it offers its visitors, from the slopes of Mount Elia to the spectacular view of Etna and also the Strait of Messina; the historic center, however, is characterized by the alleys and medieval structures of a typical ancient village. Here you can visit the beautiful Abbey of Saints Peter and Paul of Agrò, Mother Church consecrated to Sant'Onofrio, Church of the Santissima Annunziata. Walking through the streets of the centre, you will also come across the famous ones ancient fountains of the village; proceed to discover the tribunes, the ancient underpasses typical of Arab urban architecture and reach Piazza Vecchia, the heart of the village. Finally, at the War Memorial, observe how modern symbolism has represented freedom, justice and dignity in the memory of the soldiers who died in war.

From Casalvecchio Siculo, you can reach it Messina in just under an hour's journey: take the opportunity to discover the beauties of the City on the Strait and to taste all the dishes of Messina cuisine.

How is it possible to get to the Feast of Sant'Onofrio in Casalvecchio Siculo

Casalvecchio Siculo is located in the Metropolitan City of Messina and can be reached on the train from the Santa Teresa di Riva station, which is only 4 km from the town and is connected to the center by the service bus or shuttle; alternatively, those who wish to reach the village by own car, you can take the A18 Messina-Catania and take the exit for Roccalumera, approximately 5,7 km from the town.