Patronal feast in Gratteri

A long history that has its roots in remote centuries, three whole days of celebrations and a town that greets its patron saint: every year, in Gratteri, a very small town in the Metropolitan City of Palermo in Madonie Park, we celebrate the Feast of St. James the Apostle, an event deeply rooted in the collective memory of the local inhabitants.

Already a few days before the celebrations, the Patronal feast in Gratteri it is announced by the sound of the bells and by the display of the Saint's flag to the faithful; during the Festival, the launch with the simulacrum of San Giacomo and his relics are accompanied through the streets of the center by the faithful in procession and at the end of the traditional route, everyone stays in the square to attend the blessing of the grapes, which is then donated to the faithful.

The three days dedicated to the Patronal Festival in Gratteri are those in the month of September, but on July 25th the Patron Saint is celebrated with solemn Masses.

The history of the Patronal Festival in Gratteri

The history of the Patronal Feast in Gratteri explains why, today, the Feast of San Giacomo is celebrated in Gratteri in two different periods of the year: born in the XII century, in ancient times the Patronal Feast was celebrated on July 25, according to the Christian calendar, which commemorates the Saint on this very day. A few centuries ago, however, the official date of the Patronal Festival in Gratteri was moved to the month of September, adding another three days of celebrations dedicated to the Patron Saint.

The Church, the Brotherhoods and the faithful make this Feast an event full of emotion and devotion, remembering the Holy is freed Gratteri from the Arabs, delivering the town into the hands of Ruggero d'Altavilla.

When the Patronal Festival takes place in Gratteri

The Patronal Festival in Gratteri takes place from September 7 (from 12:00) until midnight on September 9. On July 25th, the liturgy in honor of St. James is celebrated.

Where the Patronal Festival takes place in Gratteri

The Patronal Festival in Gratteri takes place in the churches of the town, which ring the bells to kick off the celebrations; the procession route winds its way through the main streets of Gratteri, culminating in Piazza Umberto I.

What to do during the Patronal Festival in Gratteri

In Gratteri in the month of September, during the days of the Patronal Feast, it is the right time to discover the history and traditions of a old village: the cult of St. James the Apostle spread starting from the XII century and by participating in the Patronal Festival, you will be able to deepen your knowledge of both the Saint and the town. After learning all the historical details, dedicate yourself to exploring the center: the Old Matrix and Castle they are both located in the western area of ​​the country, reachable from Ascent of the Clock and constitute the oldest nucleus of the settlement, dating back to around the end of the XNUMXth century. Other very ancient churches are found in the urban fabric of Gratteri, but also a few kilometers away from the centre, such as theSt George's Abbey , Church of Santa Maria di Gesù, which we recommend you visit.

In 1686 the Church of St. James, dedicated to the Patron Saint: a sacred place that those who come to Gratteri for the Patronal Festival cannot do without visiting during their stay.

Il Castle (of which only the site exists today) dates back to at least the XNUMXth century and the ruins of the building were used for the construction of the Matrice Nuova in the XNUMXth century.

At just 300 meters from the village, from an altitude of over 1000 meters, the Grattara cave, from which the town took its name, an opening in the rock from which it is possible to admire the magnificent panorama of the valley. Between the mountains and the sea, come and discover all the beauties of this delightful country!

How is it possible to get to the Patronal Festival in Gratteri

Gratteri, in the Metropolitan City of Palermo, can be easily reached both by car and by train.

In the car, take the A20 Messina-Buonfornello, taking the exit for Cefalù, which is located just 6 km from the centre; on the train, get off at Cefalù Station and continue for the next 8 km to the town by bus or shuttle.