Feast of San Pietro on the Isola delle Femmine

Ancient traditions are a heritage not to be missed, especially if they have characterized the history of a place. That's what happens with the Feast of San Pietro on the Isola delle Femmine that the BCsicilia association is somehow trying not to let it fall into oblivion, proposing it again in a more modern key. Here, then, is what it consists of and how to take part in this ancient rite.

Description of the feast of San Pietro in l'Isola delle Femmine

The feast of San Pietro in l'Isola delle Femmine is obviously linked to the figure of the saint to which a procession is organized which carries his simulacrum through the streets of the center to collect the homage of the faithful. The folk part of the event, however, is linked to distribution of sweets and fans. In the past, in fact, the engaged couple of Isola delle Femmine used to give their companions a sweet in the shape of a key, called le ri san pietru keys, which symbolized precisely the keys to the heart of man. Furthermore, there was also the custom of giving them a fan embroidered with lace, another proof of your love. This tradition had been gradually lost but thanks to the work of theBCsicilia association today it is in vogue again.

The story linked to the feast of San Pietro in l'Isola delle Femmine

The tradition that requires celebrating the anniversary of San Pietro on the Isola delle Femmine in this way is very ancient given that fans and sweets were the protagonists of the anniversary from the early nineteenth century until 1977, the year in which the patronal feast was abolished and with it the beautiful habit of gifts. Since 2017 though. the BCsicilia association has decided to commit itself to restoring the tradition and, with the support of the local authorities, the celebration has been re-established. Little is known, however, of the reasons why this custom became widespread in the XNUMXth century.

When the feast of San Pietro takes place on l'Isola delle Femmine

The celebration of the feast of San Pietro in l'Isola delle Femmine is held every year on 29nd June which is precisely the day of Saint Peter.

Where the event takes place

The event kicks off in port of Isola delle Femmine, where mass is celebrated in honor of the Saint. Then the statue of Peter is carried in triumph through the streets of city ​​center and, at the end of the procession, it stops at Pittsburgh Square where to attend blessing of those present but also to the distribution of ri san pietru keys and fans.

What to do during the feast of San Pietro on l'Isola delle Femmine

Isola delle Femmine is a small islet located right in front of Palermo but its visit can reserve some pleasant surprises. First of all, its skyline is characterized by what remains of a system of watchtowers. These are buildings that were built around the fifteenth century and which served to control the gulf and prevent the attack of enemies but legend has it that they also housed a all-female prison, hence the name of the island. Certainly, however, the greatest attraction of the island is represented by its beaches, given that these are expanses of pebbles and very fine sand, lapped by crystalline water. Isola delle Femmine is also the natural habitat of many species of birds that live and reproduce here, so it is possible to bird watching discovering hawks, herons and cormorants. The seabed is also very rich: here you can admire red coral and oceanic posidonia.

How to get to the Isola delle Femmine

The Isola delle Femmine is very well connected to Palermo, so once you reach the Sicilian capital it is really easy to get to the island which is only 20 km away. The simplest means is to use the own car, taking the A29 towards Palermo - Mazara del Vallo. Alternatively, of course, it is possible to choose the connection by sea or by bus. Some companies offer the boat rental service to arrive on the island independently and participate in the feast of San Pietro on l'Isola delle Femmine and then perhaps carve out some time to discover its coasts.