Celebrations in Honor of Saint Vincent the Martyr

The patronal feast of Acate

The Celebrations in Honor of Saint Vincent the Martyr are the most anticipated event of the year for Acate, a town in the province of Ragusa, Sicily. Dedicated to the patron saint, the festival combines deep religious devotion with a rich calendar of secular events and performances, turning the historic center into an open-air stage for over a week.

A devotion born in the 18th century

The cult of Saint Vincent the Martyr in Acate dates back to the 1700s, when Pope Clement XI granted the martyr's remains to Prince Vincenzo Paternò Castello, which were then kept in the town's castle. Popular devotion solidified starting in 1722, and since then, the community has celebrated its protector with unwavering participation. The festival is movable: it traditionally takes place on the third Sunday after Easter, which is why the dates change from year to year between April and May.

The historical pageant and traditions

The heart of the secular festivities is the historical pageant, with its splendid costumes recalling the princely era, equestrian parades, flag-wavers, majorettes, and folk groups. The town's main streets — Corso Indipendenza, Piazza Libertà, and Piazza Matteotti — are decorated with illuminated arches and banners, while marching bands provide the soundtrack to the days. The historical re-enactment covers various eras, from the Middle Ages to the Age of Enlightenment, offering visitors a glimpse into the charm of local history.

The procession of the Saint

The most solemn moment is the evening procession of the statue of Saint Vincent, which traverses the town streets accompanied by prayers, firecracker displays, and festive lighting. A fair enlivens the streets surrounding the event, in an atmosphere of intense popular devotion that attracts faithful and curious visitors from neighboring towns alike.

Music and entertainment

In recent years, the celebrations have enriched their program with major concerts by nationally acclaimed artists, hosted primarily in Piazza Libertà, making the Acate festival one of the most vibrant in the Iblean area. The event is organized by the San Nicolò di Bari Parish together with the Municipality of Acate, with the patronage of the Sicilian Region.