Patronal Feast of Altavilla Milicia

Altavilla Milicia, a municipality populated by about 8.500 people in the Metropolitan City of Palermo, is a center famous for its panoramic position overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea and for its monuments, from the Watchtower to the Sanctuary. Here the Patron Saint and the Our Lady of Milicia, which is celebrated in September.

The Patronal Festival of Altavilla Milicia is one of the events capable of attracting numerous visitors to the centre, even at the end of summer. This celebration, in fact, is one of the oldest on the island, as well as one of the most particular: from all over Sicily, on the occasion of the Patronal Feast of Altavilla Milicia the faithful arrive on pilgrimage carrying torches lit, some barefoot, to follow the painting of the Madonna which is transported along the main streets of the center on a majestic car nineteenth pulled by oxen.

The Patronal Feast of Altavilla Milicia is also characterized by the solemn Mass and the Conduct of Gifts, a moment in which all the faithful bring a wax ex-voto to the Madonna as a gift, but also silver reproductions of the baby Jesus and other precious objects. The Festival then continues with the afternoon Procession, during which two little girls dressed as angels, recite ancient praises in honor of the Madonna, suspended in the void with the help of ropes.

The history of the Patronal Festival of Altavilla Milicia

The Patronal Festival of Altavilla Milicia is an event that keeps ancient traditions alive, such as that of the chariot or that of the angels, but where does the story of this festival begin?

It all began in the sixteenth century, with the arrival in the city of painting of the Madonna della Milicia. It is said that the painting, stolen by pirates during a raid, was then abandoned at sea, because it was considered unlucky and caused by a storm; but contrary to what the criminals thought, reaching the water, the picture made the storm calm down, then reaching the shore. The painting was picked up by some farmers in the area, who transported it on a cart pulled by oxen to the point where the animals stopped. Right there, a sanctuary was erected in honor of the Madonna. About a century later, the pirates returned to Milicia to take the picture back, but the faithful of the place, helped by the Palermitans, managed to protect the sacred image, then celebrating the patron saint all together with a huge procession.

When the Patronal Festival of Altavilla Milicia takes place

The Patronal Festival of Altavilla Milicia takes place on8 Settembre, but a series of religious and cultural activities have already started on August 25th, involving the community of the faithful in the celebrations.

Where the Patronal Festival of Altavilla Milicia takes place

Altavilla Milicia is located about 24 km from Palermo. In the town, the places that symbolize the Patronal Festival are the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Milicia and the main streets of the centre.

What to do during the Patronal Festival of Altavilla Milicia

Participate in the Patronal Festival and discover all the beauties of this town: here's what to do in Altavilla Milicia in the month of September.

From Sanctuary to the wonderful panoramic view of the Belvedere, you will discover beauties such as the Quadro della Madonna and Capo Zafferano; among the churches of Altavilla, we suggest you visit the Churchess (Church of Santa Maria di Campogrosso) where the burials of the monks were found, according to northern European customs. In Altavilla Milicia, you will also find many attractions to visit, such as the Norman bridge, Mandre Tower and other ancient fortifications, which served to protect the center from the incursions of pirates and conquerors.

With only 11 km of travel along the coast, you can also reach Capo Zafferano, finding beautiful beaches along the way, such as the Aciddara beach, where in September it is still possible to stop for a dip in the sea.

How to get to Altavilla Milicia

Altavilla Milicia is located just 24 km from Palermo and can be easily reached by train and by car.

By train, get off at Bagheria station, just 6 km from the centre, continuing the journey by bus or shuttle; in the car, from the A19 Palermo-Catania, take the Altavilla Milicia exit directly.