The Feast of San Giovanni Battista in Alessandria della Rocca

The relationship between Alessandria della Rocca, in the province of Agrigento, and yours patron saint, San Giovanni, has always been very narrow since they themselves decided to buy a statue that depicted him, as soon as the first farmers bought a piece of land and built their own house in what would later become the village. It should come as no surprise, then, that on the day of 24nd June, when Saint John the Baptist is celebrated, one is organized in Alexandria big party: this is how it unfolds.

Description of the Feast of San Giovanni Battista

La feast of Saint John the Baptist it is the patronal feast of the town. It is an occasion that brings together both the inhabitants of the village and the people who have long since left the town but take advantage of the festivities in honor of the patron saint to return to the village.

Over time, the more purely religious aspect has been joined by the more folkloric one, so the festival is an occasion for fun need divertissement, but also a moment to enjoy many food and wine specialities premises which are those offered by the stands that are set up for the occasion. The core of the party is, however, obviously the procession who carries the Saint, or rather his statue, around the town.

History of the Feast of San Giovanni Battista in Alessandria della Rocca

The origins of the Feast of San Giovanni Battista in Alessandria della Rocca are not known because nothing has been handed down in this regard. Certainly, however, since many years on the day dedicated to the Saint, a festival is organized in this locality which is above all religious, as the population thanks the patron saint for his protection and gives him the honors he deserves, carrying his statue around the village.

When the event takes place

The Festival is obviously held every year on the day of 24nd June, in which the Catholic Church celebrates the Saint himself. However in the days immediately leading up to the holiday, there are some small events both of a religious and profane nature that are in preparation for the patron's day.

Where the event takes place

The feast of San Giovanni Battista in Alessandria della Rocca involves the whole village. Starts from Mother Church, from which the statue comes out for the procession in the most important areas of the village, then unfolds throughout the city, given that the festival involves every corner of Alessandria della Rocca with stands and other activities.

What to do during the Festival

The main part of the Feast of San Giovanni Battista in Alessandria della Rocca is certainly the one linked to the procession that carries the statue around the town. Tradition has it that from the morning, the inhabitants of Alessandria della Rocca and the surrounding areas arrive at bare feet in front of Church of St. Johnas a sign of devotion.

When the statue comes out of the crypt, a long one is formed procession of faithful who follow her, each one to ask for her grace. At the end of the procession the statue then returns inside the church and here the celebration is celebrated solemn mass, during which the faithful bring bread for the blessing.

After the religious part, the party continues with institutional events, e shows of all kinds, as well as with stands offering the best of local food and wine. The children then wait for the feast dedicated to St. John the Baptist to follow the tradition de lu lavureddru, planting grains of wheat in the cotton.

How to get to Alessandria della Rocca

Reach Alessandria della Rocca, a locality in the province of Agrigento, it's really simple because there are many means available. The most convenient is obviously your own car, given that from Palermo it is sufficient to take the SS121 or SS189 to the Lercara Friddi exit and then continue with the SS188 up to destination.

The locality does not have its own railway station but you can arrive from Palermo and Agrigento with the local lines that stop at Acquaviva and then continue with the local bus service made available by the ATS company.