Festa di San Nicola a Ribera
The feast of Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of Ribera (AG), is celebrated every year on 6 December. The devotion to Saint Nicholas has deep roots in the Ribera community, dating back to 1644, when in a public act the notary Vincenzo Scoma of Caltabellotta named Saint Nicholas of Bari Patron Saint and Protector of the city of Ribera. Saint Nicholas of Bari was bishop of Myra in Lycia (today Demre, in Turkey), and is a very important figure of the Catholic Church as well as the inspiration for the character of Santa Claus, known in Italy as Santa Claus.
The days preceding the celebrations are characterized by a busy calendar of religious ceremonies. The days of celebrations are enriched by cultural events, demonstrations and various initiatives.
The celebrations culminate on December 6th, the day of the Ribera patronal festival: it begins in the morning with the firing of cannon bombs and the tour of the musical band. After the celebration of the Solemn Mass in the presence of the authorities, the ceremony of entrustment to Saint Nicholas takes place with the symbolic delivery of the keys to the city by the mayor. Bread is also traditionally distributed
blessed of Saint Nicholas, as a sign of homage and devotion to the Saint. The “blessed breads” represent a distinctive symbol of veneration towards Saint Nicholas. In the afternoon, a suggestive procession of the launch of San Nicola takes place through the streets of the town. The procession ends with a solemn celebration in the Mother Church. The evening ends with colorful fireworks.
Dates and Scheduling
24 Nov 2024
19:00 Holy Mass and “Scinnuta di lu Santu”;
Chiesa di San Nicola
20:30 Online connection with all the Ribera emigrants promoted by the Diocesan Migrants Pastoral Office, in the Hall of the Mother Church.
Chiesa Madre
29 Nov 2024
09:30 Holy Mass;
16:30 Santa's sleigh and distribution of sweets and panettone;
Piazza Giovanni XXIII
1 Dec 2024
10:00 Holy Mass;
11:00 Folklore group;
12:00 Descent into the square with traditional Sicilian songs;
18:00 Stellarium of the Immaculate Conception.
18:30 Rosary of Saint Nicholas.
19:00 Holy Mass;
2 Dec 2024
17:45 Stellarium of the Immaculate Conception;
18:00 Rosary of Saint Nicholas;
18:30 Holy Mass followed by Eucharistic Adoration.
3 Dec 2024
17:45 Stellarium of the Immaculate Conception;
18:00 Rosary of Saint Nicholas.
18:30 Holy Mass animated by the children of the 1st year of the catechumenate and blessing of all those whose name is Nicholas;
19:15 "A dessert for Saint Nicholas" fraternal sharing;
Santa's sleigh at the Saint Nicholas Church and all children who have lost a tooth will be given a gift.
4 Dec 2024
17:00 Entrance of the musical band through the streets of the town;
17:45 Stellarium of the Immaculate Conception;
18:00 Rosary of Saint Nicholas.
18:45 Holy Mass;
5 Dec 2024
17:45 Stellarium of the Immaculate Conception;
18:00 Rosary of Saint Nicholas.
18:00 Holy Mass to follow solemn vespers;
6 Dec 2024
07:00 Alborata accompagnata dal “Gruppo Tamburi Sicani Ribera".
09:00 Entrance to the band complex "The Washinthon Navel di Ribera" and collection of offerings.
"Promissions" by the faithful.
10:30 Rosary of Saint Nicholas.
11:00 Solemn Holy Mass in the presence of all civil and military authorities, associations, committees and religious brotherhoods.
Deed of entrustment of the city by the Mayor with delivery of the key to the City to the Patron Saint.
At the conclusion of the celebration there will be distributed on
traditional Blessed Bread of Saint Nicholas.
16:30 Exit of the simulacrum of Saint Nicholas with paper show.
Following procession accompanied by the band "The Washinton Navel di Ribera".
Upon returning, fireworks show and draw, final greetings and thanks.
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References
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