Feast of San Sebastiano in Ferla

The Patronal Feast of San Sebastiano in Ferla takes place on January 20, on the occasion of the liturgical anniversary, and in July when the great summer party takes place.

During the month of January there is a rich religious program in preparation for the liturgical feast. One of the most heartfelt moments and attended by the faithful is the curruta, or rather the unveiled of the simulacrum of the Patron Saint who is placed on the High Altar from his chapel. Traditionally, on Christmas Eve, the procession of the Holy Relic of the Saint takes place through the festively lit streets of the historic center.
The culmination of the festivities is reached on the day of the feast with the Solemn Eucharistic Liturgies which conclude with the veiled of the simulacrum.

The summer festival of San Sebastiano in Ferla has a long tradition, it was established in 1642 and today it is considered one of the most beautiful and traditional patronal celebrations in Sicily.
During the month of July, before the festival, the traditional pilgrimage to Sammastianeddu takes place. On the vigil the curruta takes place, i.e. the unveiling of the Simulacrum and of the Saint who is placed from his niche on the High Altar, and the subsequent procession of the Simulacrum of San Sebastiano and the Holy Relics for the streets of the historic center.
On the morning of the feast day it is traditional to undress the children, present them before the Patron Saint, and wrap the clothes of the little ones on the columns of the fercolo together with the ex-votos of the faithful.
Shortly before noon of the feast day takes place a scisa de nudi, or the arrival of the nudes, devotees wearing white trousers and, on their bare chest, a red ribbon and the image of San Sebastian. The nudes run into the churchyard to grab a place under the vara.
At noon, between the flight of nzareddi, or strips of colored paper, and the firing of fireworks from The artifice takes place the triumphant exit of the Patron Saint of Ferla. In the evening, the simulacrum, placed on a triumphal chariot, is carried in procession through the streets of the historic center.
On the day of the octave, the festivities end with the veiling of the Simulacrum of San Sebastiano.

Dates and Scheduling

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