The Feast of San Vincenzo Ferreri in Calamonaci

The name of Calamonaci, a town in the province of Agrigento, has Arab origins even if its name probably derives from the Greek kalamionas which means reed. The first testimony where Calamonaci is mentioned dates back to the end of the XIII century in a document which certifies the transfer of the feud to Berengario De Villaragut by King James of Aragon.

The urban fabric still present dates from the end of the sixteenth century when the then baron of the feud received the authorization to build a city ​​centre within his property. The moment most awaited by the population is the celebration of the Feast of San Vincenzo Ferreri in Calamonaci.

Description of the Feast of San Vincenzo Ferreri in Calamonaci

In Calamonaci it is celebrated every year, the Feast of San Vincenzo Ferreri. A moment of high religiosity is represented by the Procession which sees the participation of the entire population. After Mass the organizers, after having covered of fiori the simulacrum dresses it with the plant which appears to be precious due to hundreds of silver and gold objects which, together with the ex-votos, were donated to the Patron Saint.

In this way, anticipated by a Standard, the journey begins which lasts several hours just to travel a few kilometers through the crowds who pay homage to the simulacrum with gold e money as a thank you for a grace received or to be received. Only in the early 90s of the last century did Calamonaci receive one relic of San Vincenzo, represented by one of his bone splinter which was placed in a chapel to the left of the altar.

The folklore emerges in all its tradition through the subdivision of the townsfolk who join one of the two factions which are those of San Michelara – devoted to St. Michael the Archangel – and of San Giuvannara – devotees of St. John the Baptist – to participate in the Rigattiate. It begins with the draw to establish which of the two factions is the first to carry out the race in the central Corso Garibaldi.

The kermesse is kind of Holy war which mixes religion and paganism in a sort of hybrid popular rite. In a festive explosion of fireworks and firecrackers, the simulacrums of S. Giovanni and S. Michele are made to run on the singular richly adorned Vare which are carried on the shoulders of men holding laurel twigs.

It is the beginning of the rite ''l' Abballata of the Saints'' where the factions perform dances following the music each of their own musical band. This event takes place on Friday and Sunday evening ending with the winner of the event which rewards those who have been able to make the best decorations, the most colorful fireworks and involve people to honor their Saint.

The story linked to the Feast of San Vincenzo Ferreri in Calamonaci

When the baron Don Bernardino Termini Feneri refounded Calamonaci towards the end of the XNUMXth century, he decided to have a place dedicated to the worship of the faithful built, placing them under the protection of San Vincenzo Ferreri. In this way, the Piazza Matrice, the Mother Church, was built.

The inhabitants to ingratiate themselves with San Vincenzo established a party in his honour, an event that initially took place during the spring and was managed by the local brotherhoods. Obviously, over time the feast of San Vincenzo Ferreri has been the subject of numerous changes up to the one that can currently be seen.

When the Feast of San Vincenzo Ferreri takes place in Calamonaci

The feast of San Vincenzo Ferreri in Calamonaci takes place every year in second Sunday in August when the village is practically assaulted by thousands of visitors and tourists, curious to admire the traditional Rigattiate.
The splendid fireworks that light up the sky until late at night also because they are part of the Mediterranean Pyrotechnic Grand Prix event with the participation of the most important pyrotechnicians from all over Italy and beyond.

Where the Feast of San Vincenzo Ferreri takes place in Calamonaci

Throughout the center of Calamonici the festival develops which has its fulcrum on Corso Garibaldi.

What to do during the Feast of San Vincenzo Ferreri in Calamonaci

You cannot miss a visit to the city in its most characteristic points such as the Piazzetta dell'Annunziata, the Belvedere, the Nicolaj Theater, the Mother Church, Piazza S. Vincenzo Ferreri and the Clock.

How to get to Calamonaci

By car from Palermo take the highway A29 (E90) Palermo - Mazara del Vallo and exit at Castelvetrano Sud - SS115 continuing in the direction of Sciacca – Agrigento exiting at Ribera to take the SS386 which leads to Calamonaci.

From Catania take the highway A9 (E932) Palermo – Catania towards Palermo and exit at Caltanissetta – SS640 for Agrigento continuing on the SS115 - Sciacca -Trapani exiting at Ribera to take the SS386 which leads to Calamonaci.