Patronal feast in San Michele di Ganzaria

Sammicheli it is a village populated by just under 3000 inhabitants in the Metropolitan City of Catania. patron saint è San Michele Arcangelo, which is celebrated in September.

The festival opens with the rite ofenthronement of the simulacrum of San Michele on the main altar of the parish dedicated to him.
The entire community of faithful participates in the solemn Mass held by the parish priest and there are many immigrants who try to return to the town during the period of Patron Saint. In particular, this festival is a direct and spontaneous cord between the country of origin and the immigrants, born and raised abroad: through the Patronal Festival, the memory of the country always remains alive and tangible and perhaps precisely in this bond, it is the biggest show of the party.

The history of the Patronal Festival in San Michele di Ganzaria

San Michele di Ganzaria is strongly linked to its Patron: the Mother Church of the village is dedicated to him. The origins of the Church are very ancient, in fact it is believed possible that the nucleus dates back to the XNUMXth century, which was then transformed until today.

Here every year the Patronal Feast dedicated to the Archangel who led the army of angels in the battle against Lucifer is celebrated.

When the Patronal Festival takes place in San Michele di Ganzaria

In the month of September the Patronal Festival takes place in San Michele di Ganzaria. The official date is 29 Settembre.

Where the Patronal Festival takes place in San Michele di Ganzaria

The Patronal Festival takes place in the town, at the Parish of San Michele Arcangelo in Via Antonino di Dio Rizzo n. 4.

What to do during the Patronal Festival in San Michele di Ganzaria

Gathering in prayer with the local faithful and delving into the history of Saint Michael the Archangel are among the first things to do as soon as you arrive at the Festival, and then making friends with the other participants, both local and from abroad, in fact this is a special occasion for the community and you will find faithful from many European countries, with whom to share travel or faith stories.

Furthermore, the village offers you various attractions to visit, before setting off to discover the surroundings: the Mother Church of the XNUMXth century, the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary where you can also go down into the crypt, the Church of Mount Calvary , Church of St. Joseph. But don't forget to take a walk in the town, also to discover the civil buildings: the ruins of Ducal Castle and the former Palazzo Comunale, the Town Hall and the Museum of Gazaria, where archaeological finds found in the area are exhibited.

The village, located in the Sicilian hinterland, between San Cono and Piazza Armerina, welcomes you with accommodation where to stay overnight and then set off to discover the nearby beauties: Piazza Armerina, where you can admire the Cathedral and the beautiful Church of Santo Stefano, is 18 km away and is a place not to be missed for all lovers of history and art; San Cono can be reached in just 10 minutes by car, and here you will find other beautiful churches to visit.

For nature lovers, especially at this time of year, we recommend an excursion to the Bosco di Santo Pietro Oriented Nature Reserve, which is located approximately 33 km from the village.

Take advantage of your stay to taste as many delicacies as possible: in Sicily there is really no point in following a diet, it is better to indulge in the tasting of very fresh fish cooked on the grill, fresh pasta seasoned with tasty and genuine sauces, famous traditional desserts all over the world. Pasta alla Norma, Sicilian cannoli and swordfish are true symbols of Catania cuisine, absolutely worth trying on site.

How to get to San Michele di Ganzaria

The town can be reached with bus or shuttle from Caltanissetta station, about 40 km from the centre.

Who prefers to travel in the car, you can arrive in the town in just over an hour from Catania, via the SS 417 or from Palermo, in about two and a half hours, along the A19 and then the E932.