Feast of Saint Anthony of Padua
The patronal feast of Gravina di Catania
About Feast of Saint Anthony
The patronal feast of Gravina di Catania
The Feast of Saint Anthony of Padua is the most cherished religious and civic event in Gravina di Catania, a populous town in the Metropolitan City of Catania, just outside the Etna capital. Saint Anthony is the Patron Saint of the city, and his liturgical feast day, held on June 13th—the anniversary of the Saint's death in 1231—has represented the heart of the local collective identity for generations.
Between devotion and tradition
The celebrations are centered at the Mother Church of Santa Maria del Rosario on Via Etnea and follow a path of spiritual preparation lasting several days. The novena (the so-called "tredicina" of Saint Anthony) guides the faithful with thematic celebrations dedicated to charity, reconciliation, vocations, families, and children. The two main days see the town come alive with music, illuminations, and popular participation.
Key moments
- The evening procession of the Relic, which opens the climax of the festivities and winds through the city streets in an atmosphere of intense devotion.
- The "Svelata" (Unveiling) on the morning of June 13th, an emotional moment when the statue of the Saint is revealed to the faithful.
- The solemn Eucharistic celebration presided over by the Bishop, attended by civil and military authorities.
- The procession of the Saint, which travels through the town center in the late afternoon, accompanied by brass bands and confraternities.
Music, culture, and solidarity
The festival is not just a religious rite: it includes a musical performance in Piazza della Libertà , photographic exhibitions dedicated to old Gravina hosted in the rooms of the old town hall on Via Etnea, activities for the youth, and concrete acts of solidarity, such as a lunch offered to the needy brothers of the parish. The presence of local and Acireale brass bands adds a touch of solemnity and typically Sicilian tradition, with music accompanying every step of the Saint through the streets.
An identity-defining festival at the foot of Mount Etna
Celebrated in Sicily, in the Etna region, the Feast of Saint Anthony of Padua is much more than a date on the liturgical calendar: it is an occasion where the entire community of Gravina di Catania comes together, strengthening family and neighborhood ties and passing on a heritage of faith and tradition that stands the test of time.
Feast of Saint Anthony — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the festivities in honor of Saint Anthony of Padua, experienced in a Jubilee atmosphere, reached its climax on June 12th and 13th.
On Thursday, June 12th, in the afternoon, a floral tribute was paid to the Gravina victims of all wars in front of the commemorative plaque at the old town hall. In the evening, at the Mother Church, the awards ceremony for the first competition for Gravina students, "Saint Anthony between Art and Faith," was held, followed by a musical show in Piazza della Libertà and the evocative evening procession of the Relic.
On Friday, June 13th, the day of the Patron Saint, the day opened with the "Svelata" at 7:00 AM; at 11:00 AM, the solemn Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Bishop Mons. Renna, in the presence of civil and military authorities. At 1:00 PM, a lunch was held for the needy brothers of the parish, while at 7:30 PM, the Saint emerged for the solemn procession through the town streets.
Between June 11th and 13th, a photographic exhibition on ancient Gravina was set up in the rooms of the old town hall on Via Etnea. For the occasion, the "Nuccio Messina" brass band of Gravina made its official debut, accompanied by the "G. Miraglia" and "G. Risi" brass bands from Acireale.
Programme Feast of Saint Anthony 2026
Thursday, June 12
- Afternoon: floral tribute to the victims of all wars at the old town hall
- 8:00 PM: awards ceremony for the "Saint Anthony between Art and Faith" competition at the Mother Church
- Evening: musical show in Piazza della LibertÃ
- Night: procession of the Relic
Friday, June 13
- 7:00 AM: the "Svelata" (Unveiling) of the statue
- 11:00 AM: Eucharistic celebration presided over by Bishop Mons. Renna
- 1:00 PM: lunch for the needy brothers of the parish
- 7:30 PM: departure of the Saint and procession through the town streets
June 11 to 13
- Photographic exhibition on ancient Gravina in the rooms of the old town hall on Via Etnea
Highlights Feast of Saint Anthony 2026
Prices Feast of Saint Anthony 2026
Practical information — Feast of Saint Anthony
Location
The celebrations take place at the Mother Church of Santa Maria del Rosario, at Via Etnea 392, and along the streets of the center of Gravina di Catania (ZIP 95030), with events held in Piazza della Libertà .
How to get there
Gravina di Catania borders the city of Catania: by car, it can be reached from the Catania ring road (exits for the northern area) and via Etnea. Numerous urban and suburban bus lines connect the town to the center of Catania. Catania-Fontanarossa Airport is approximately 12 km away.
Admission
Participation in the celebrations and processions is free and open to all.
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Where does it take place — Feast of Saint Anthony
Chiesa Madre Santa Maria del Rosario
Via Etnea 392, 95030 Gravina di Catania