Feast of San Francesco di Paola in Catania

In July, Catania shines under the Sicilian sun, while its inhabitants prepare to celebrate the Patron saint of fishermen, an important celebration in a port city: the Feast of San Francesco di Paola in Catania, in fact, it is an event deeply felt by the faithful, but also interesting for tourists.

It starts with the Sea procession on the Saturday before Christmas Eve: from port of Catania, the wooden statue of San Francesco di Paola takes off, on aboat followed by many fishermen's boats. When the boat returns to the port and the Saint is brought back to land, the great fireworks display starts which greets the Patron of sailors. Thus concludes the first day of celebration, in honor of San Francesco di Paola.

The following day is the real day of the Feast, which begins with a solemn Mass in the Church. In the evening, however, the Ground procession, during which the simulacrum of San Francesco is carried along the main streets of the Civita district, followed by the great procession of devoted faithful. At the end, the procession salutes San Francesco with the explosion of fireworks.

The story linked to the Feast of San Francesco di Paola in Catania

The cult of San Francesco di Paola spreads in Sicily in the 1519th century: the Patron Saint of sailors was declared a saint by Pope Leo X in 1738 and since then the cult has never stopped spreading. Furthermore, in XNUMX, San Francesco di Paola was declared Prince Patron of the Kingdom by the king of Sicily and numerous churches were dedicated to him, just like the one in Catania.

San Francesco is called in dialect U Santu Patri, a demonstration of great devotion and affection on the part of the people of Catania who, as a people of sailors, celebrate the Patron Saint with great enthusiasm.

When the Feast of San Francesco di Paola takes place in Catania

The Feast of San Francesco di Paola in Catania takes place there first Sunday of July and on the previous day.

Where the Feast of San Francesco di Paola takes place in Catania

The Feast of San Francesco di Paola in Catania takes place at the Church of San Francesco di Paola on the square of the same name. The Procession at sea takes place in the waters of the port, while the Procession on land takes place in the Civita district.

What to do during the Feast of San Francesco di Paola in Catania

Visit Catania in July, during the Feast of San Francesco di Paola, it is an excellent opportunity to experience the double spirit of the city at the same time: a sea port, with marvelous beaches overlooking the Ionian Sea, on one side, and a city of art on the 'other, between churches, palaces and works of art unique in the world.

There are many wonders in Catania, but we advise you to start discovering the city from Old Town, near the port. Among the churches, we remind you of the eighteenth century Badia di Sant'Agata, with elegant Baroque interiors, the Church of San Francesco d'Assisi all'Immacolata and the splendid Collegiate Basilica, whose construction works ended in the second half of the eighteenth century. If today the Basilica is dedicated to Maria Santissima dell'Elemosina, in the most ancient times a temple dedicated to the goddess Proserpina stood on the site of the Church.

Staying in the area, reach University Square where the beautiful Palazzo dell'Università di Catania also overlooks and then cross Via Etna, the shopping street, to reach Quattro Canti Square. Massimo Bellini Opera House is located nearby.

The city is large and there are many attractions: walking through the centre, you will be able to discover them live, but for now we would like to point out some other stops on the virtual tour of Catania: the Benedictine monastery of San Nicolò l'Arena, Church of San Domenico e Villa Bellini with the Kiosk, theBotanical Garden , Parish Church of Santa Maria della Guardia, close to the sea.

From Catania you can reach some of the most beautiful places in eastern Sicily, from Acireale to Syracuse.

How is it possible to get to the Feast of San Francesco di Paola in Catania

Catania can be reached easily on the train, getting off at Catania Central Station, while in the car you arrive from the A18 Messina-Catania.