The Feast of San Giuseppe in Campobello di Licata

Sfince of San Giuseppe, novenas and laid tables: the entire month of March in Campobello di Licata, in the Free Municipal Consortium of Agrigento, is dedicated to the celebrations of San Giuseppe, Patron Saint of fathers and orphans, to whom the whole town turns with affection and devotion.

That of Saint Joseph is a particularly heartfelt cult in Sicily and each town celebrates it in a completely personal way: in Campobello di Licata the faithful stage Escape from Egypt of the Holy Family and numerous parades and performances take place in the streets of the town.

On the day of the Feast of San Giuseppe in Campobello di Licata the faithful, wearing historical costumes, they march through the streets of the town showing the events of the Holy Family in Egypt: to draw everyone's attention to this event, the representation is preceded by fireworks.

The streets of the town, decorated with lights and flowers for the occasion, act as the stage for the event and everywhere in Campobello di Licata they are laid out Tablets of St. Joseph, while gifts and votive offerings are placed on the table prepared in the Parish next to the thrones on which Saint Joseph, Mary, Jesus and the Angel sit.

The history of the Feast of San Giuseppe in Campobello di Licata

The history of the Feast of San Giuseppe is part of the great Sicilian tradition of celebrations for the Saint.
In the month of March, there are many days dedicated to Saint Joseph and in this period in particular, tradition dictates that the poorest people in the town are invited to eat at the table set for the occasion. For this reason, among the symbols of this holiday there are many sfinci typical traditional dishes: food becomes a symbol of the offering and becomes the main element of the celebration.

The religious festival merges with the civil festival, the one that celebrates all fathers, and a large event is set up in the village in which the entire population participates, including organisation, prayer, celebrations, shows and music.

When the Feast of San Giuseppe takes place in Campobello di Licata

The Feast of San Giuseppe takes place on 19 March starting from 7:00 am. The importance of this festival, however, is found in the celebrations that take place during the entire month of March and in particular in the three days preceding the official date.

Where the Feast of San Giuseppe takes place in Campobello di Licata

In Piazza San Giuseppe the faithful gather at the foot of the stage to watch sacred representations and shows, while solemn masses dedicated to the Saint are held in the Parish of San Giuseppe.

What to do during the Feast of San Giuseppe

During the Feast of St. Joseph, tourists can pray and join the local community in the celebrations. Furthermore, in the town there are many places to visit, with important symbols of the island's history: the Cathedral Church of St. John the Baptist, Canal Fountain, Tiananmen Square. Everything to discover is then Divine Comedy Park, created in a former stone quarry. The references to literary art also continue in the Iliad in Earth and Fire, a large mural dedicated to the Homeric poem.

From Campobello di Licata the sea is close: enjoy all the relaxation and beauty of the Sicilian beach, reaching the beach Three Fountains o Cala Paradiso, with fine golden sand and clear waters.

Finally, don't forget to taste the delicious dishes and typical local products once on the island: mussels au gratin, swordfish rolls, almond pesto, hazelnut mousses are among the delicacies to be enjoyed.

How to get to Campobello di Licata

Campobello di Licata, in the Free Municipal Consortium of Agrigento, is easily reachable by car or train. The village is accessible from the North, East and South sides, arriving by car via the SS 123, while those traveling by train can reach the town by bus and shuttles, getting off at the Caltanissetta Centrale station and continuing for approximately 28 km.