The Feast of the Immaculate Conception in Floridia

L'December 8 in Floridain Province of Syracuse, is celebrated patronal feast dedicated to the Immaculate Conception. It is an occasion in which many inhabitants of the town return home, taking advantage of the holiday, for the devotion that binds them to the Madonna but also to revisit their native places that they perhaps left years earlier to seek work and fortune elsewhere. However, it is also an event much appreciated by external visitors, who are fascinated by such a mix of faith and folklore. Here's how to participate and what not to miss during the event patronal feast of Floridia.

Description of the patronal feast of Floridia

This is the festival dedicated to Immaculate Madonna, always protector of Florida. It is a predominantly religious event, which represents a tribute to the town's protector and an opportunity for the faithful to ask for thanks and give the right honors for what has been done in the past. Obviously it is also a moment of celebration and fun, with many events linked to music, entertainment and food and wine which make the event even richer.

The history linked to the Feast of the Immaculate Conception in Floridia

The Immaculate Conception has been the patron saint of Floridia since 1877, when she was acclaimed as such by the entire population of the village. In reality, however, the inhabitants of Floridia had been devoted to this figure since the previous centuries. In particular, on the occasion of the earthquake of 1693, the faithful prayed for a long time to be saved from the devastation and the Madonna listened to these appeals, protecting human lives even if the town was destroyed. Starting from the early years of the twentieth century, therefore, on December 8th the patronal festival is held in Floridia which over the course of the editions has taken on the shape it has today.

When the patronal feast of Floridia takes place

La Feast of the Immaculate Conception in Floridia is held every year on the day of8th December, the one dedicated by the Catholic Church to the Madonna. The celebrations, however, begin a few days early given that the Novenas are celebrated on the first of the month while on the 7th there is the Scupiddi procession during which the faithful bring ex-votos as gifts.

Where the event takes place

La Florida patronal feast it involves the whole village and in particular the historic centre. It is a very pretty town which, unfortunately, was completely destroyed in 1693 with the terrible earthquake which caused great damage throughout the area. All historic buildings, therefore, date back to the following period, such as the Matrix church which is from the eighteenth century and with a baroque facade and a bell tower which instead dates back to the nineteenth century. Very beautiful too Raeli Palace, seat of the municipality, e Piazza del Popolo, the main one in the village. Interesting is the Nunzio Bruno Ethnographic Museum, to discover ancient peasant traditions, disappeared crafts, tools, utensils and ancient machinery no longer in use

What to do during the Feast of the Immaculate Conception in Floridia

On December 8, the festival begins early in the morning with the holy mass in honor of the Madonna. Then we proceed with the “Sciuta”, which consists of the display of the simulacrum of the Immaculate Conception and the procession that follows. A second procession is then organized at sunset and the latter ends with the fireworks show in honor of the Madonna. At that point, once the religious celebrations are over, the more worldly events start, with the food and wine stands who offer the best of local cuisine and musical and other shows to enliven dinner. Are provided activities even for the little ones, organized by the local Pro Loco.

How to get to Florida

Those who wish to arrive in the village to take part in the patronal festival of Floridia will be able to do so on their own auto.

Starting from Catania, it is necessary to take the E45 to your destination while those leaving from Palermo will first have to take the A19 and then continue on the E932. People coming from Syracuse will reach their destination in a few minutes along the Ss124, while from Messina it is necessary to first take the A18 and then get onto the E45.

For those interested in traveling with the train, it should be underlined that the village does not have its own railway station, the closest ones are Taggia or Priolo Melilli. From these it is possible to continue with the local bus lines made available by the AST company.