Feast of S. Antonio Abate in Giarratana
The liturgical feast of Sant'Antonio Abate in Giarratana takes place on January 17.
The day before the feast, January 16, in the basilica of the same name which rises on the hill overlooking the Hyblean mountain center, the members of the committee of celebrations and the faithful animate the traditional rite of the translation of the seventeenth-century simulacrum, which depicts the saint, on the high altar. The rite of translation is preceded by the festive sound of the bells and the firing of cannon shots. The simulacrum is visited and venerated every year by hundreds of devotees.
On 17 January, the day of the liturgical feast of Saint Anthony the Abbot, several solemn liturgies are celebrated in the basilica.
The following Sunday, 17 January is the day of the outdoor party. In the morning the roar of cannon shots, the ringing of bells and the musical band announce the day of celebration. On the day of the external festival, two processions take place, one in the morning and the other in the evening. The exit of the simulacrum from the church is greeted by fireworks and the traditional "Nzaiareddi" which create a very suggestive atmosphere, typical of the Baroque festivals, widespread in this area of Sicily. In the afternoon there is also the traditional blessing of the animals in front of the churchyard. After the blessing takes place the traditional "dinner", the typical sweets offered to the saint and sold at auction. The party ends in the evening with the return of the Saint to the Basilica.
Dates and Scheduling
19 Jan 2025
08:30 Santa Messa.
09:30 Festive ringing and firing of cannon shots.
10:00 Tour through the city streets of the “V. Bellini" band.
10:30 Performing symphonic marches in the square.
11:00 Solenne Pontificale presieduto da sua Eccellenza Rev. Mons. Giuseppe La Placa Vescovo di Ragusa e animata dai Ministranti e dal Coro Parrocchiale "Regino Coeli" diretto dal maestro Francesco Giaquinta.
12:00 Traditional "Sciuta" of the seventeenth-century simulacrum of S. Antonio Abate from the Basilica.
It will be carried on the shoulder in procession through the streets of the historic centre;
visit and prayer of the Angelus Domini in the Church of S. Bartolomeo Apostolo and return of the procession to the Mother Church.
15:00 Tour through the city streets of the "V. Bellini" musical band of Giarratana and performance of symphonic marches in front of the Mother Church.
15:30 Traditional blessing of the animals in the churchyard of the Mother Church (please equip the dogs with the required muzzle).
16:00 Traditional dinner with the auction of the gifts offered to Sant'Antonio Abate.
17:30 Solemn Holy Mass.
18:30 Evening Procession.
20:00 Replacement of the simulacrum of Sant'Antonio Abate in the Chapel and final prayer.
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References
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