Festa San Giorgio a Ragusa

In Ragusa, the celebrations for the Patron Saint San Giogio take place on April 23, on the occasion of the liturgical anniversary, and, traditionally, on the last Sunday of May with large external celebrations.

The Friday before the the procession of the statue of San Giorgio and the Holy Ark takes place up to the Church of Purgatorio, where the Holy Ark is placed, while the statue of San Giorgio is carried up to the church of San Tommaso where it remains for the night. The two simulacra thus remain separated for one night and one day to commemorate the imprisonment inflicted on the Saint during his martyrdom. On Saturday, Saint George takes the Holy Ark back from the church of Purgatory and together they return to the Mother Church.
On the Sunday of the feast day, the "exit" is expected in the afternoon, often preceded by performances by two municipal bands and sometimes even some groups of flag-wavers. Only in this afternoon, which precedes the solemn exit of the Saint, it is possible to admire the true main door of the Church of San Giorgio: entirely built in wood, it has numerous bas-reliefs that narrate the life of the patron saint. Given the delicacy of the work, it is kept inside the dark green door and therefore is not visible.
In the evening, after the traditional Ballad of the Saint during which the Statue of San Giorgio it is hoisted up with outstretched arms and swayed, the procession takes place accompanied by the brotherhoods with the various banners and banners of the Municipality and Province. At Largo Camerina the simulacrum is placed on the cart and together with the ark it moves through the streets of Ragusa Ibla. At the Giardini Iblei the bearers load the Patron on their shoulders leaving the cart, continuing towards Piazza Duomo where, before having placed it in the center of the square for the final barrels, they will make it dance as tradition. The musical fireworks close the celebrations and San Giorgio and the holy Ark are relocated inside the Cathedral.

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