Festa San Filippo a Calatabiano
The celebrations for the patron saint of Calatabiano take place every year on the third Saturday of May and on the Sunday of the following week.
The traditional and suggestive "Calata di San Filippo", or "descent of San Filippo", takes place on the third Saturday in May. In the morning, in the church of the Santissimo Crocifisso, the women take care of the dressing by decorating the fercolo with flowers that will remain until the end of the feast, when the devotees will take them with them because they are blessed. In the afternoon, the most awaited moment of the entire event takes place: "a calata di San Filippo" from the castle to the Mother Church, which is preceded by the historical procession with figures in period costume representing the court of the Cruyllas, a family that led to the splendor the castle of Calatabiano. The "descent" is announced by three cannon shots: it is a dizzying and spectacular race of the devotees who support the heavy fercolo. "of the saint from the Mother Church to the church on Monte Castello: the statue is carried on the shoulder and running along the steep path that runs between stones and steps. In just six minutes the destination is reached.
During the ascent, the saint is carried by people who aspire to participate in the Calata. According to tradition, one must take part in the "Chianata" for six consecutive years before obtaining a place under the vara for the Calata. threads of red, yellow and green, intertwined on the head that represent the threads of the beard with which St. Philip bound Satan.
Dates and Scheduling
26 May 2024
16:30 Stands opening.
Piazza Vittorio Emanuele
19:00 Traditional “Acchianata di San Filippo”, intangible heritage of the Sicily region, in just 15 minutes the Valiant Bearers devoted to the Protector Saint will carry the heavy wooden fercolo uphill at a brisk pace from the town to Monte Castello, along the ancient and impervious stepped road.
20:30 Translation of the ancient reliquary bust of San Filippo Syriaco from the monumental wooden fercolo to the chapel where it will remain kept until next year.
21:00 Symphonic lyrical concert by the “Vincenzo Bellini di Calatabiano” band at Piazza Vittorio Emanuele.
Piazza Vittorio Emanuele
23:00 Fireworks show in honor of San Filippo Syriaco to close the celebrations.
You could be interested in where to stay in Calatabiano
You could be also interested in:
References
enjoysicilia.it is in no way responsible for any errors, omissions or changes due to unpredictable factors. We strongly invite you to check for any last-minute changes by visiting the website and social media of the event organizer whose links are indicated in the references field.
