Feast of Saint Anthony of Padua

A devotion rooted in the Etna village

The Feast of Saint Anthony of Padua is one of the most heartfelt religious events in Motta Sant'Anastasia, a small medieval village perched on a lava cliff on the slopes of Mount Etna, in the province of Catania, Sicily. The town, dominated by its famous Norman tower, holds a deep veneration for the Saint of Miracles, considered the co-patron of the community alongside Saint Anastasia. Every year, around June 13th, the streets of the historic center come alive with faithful and devotees celebrating Italy's most beloved Franciscan friar.

The 'tredicina' and days of preparation

The festivities do not end in a single day: they are preceded by the tredicina, thirteen days of prayer that lead from June 1st to the solemnity. Every evening, the community gathers in the Church of Saint Anthony of Padua, in Piazza Umberto I, for the recitation of the rosary and the Eucharistic celebration. During this period, there are moments of evangelization, visits of the Saint's relics to the sick and elderly in local facilities, and initiatives aimed at children and young people.

June 13th: The Saint's Day

The highlight of the day begins with morning masses, marked by the blessing and distribution of Saint Anthony's bread, a gesture full of meaning linked to charity for the poor. Space is also reserved for the little ones, with moments of prayer and the blessing of children. In the afternoon, the arrival of the brass band announces the approach of the most awaited moment.

The procession and fireworks

In the late afternoon, the procession of the Saint's statue begins through the town streets. The float is carried among the crowd of devotees, many in votive attire, accompanied by the notes of the hymn to Saint Anthony, the cantata, colorful paper ribbons, and firework displays that salute the triumphant exit of the statue. The return to the church, also accompanied by fireworks, concludes a day in which religious devotion and popular celebration merge into a single expression of community identity.

Tradition and identity in Motta

The festival represents much more than a liturgical recurrence: it is a gathering occasion for the entire community of Motta Sant'Anastasia and for the locals who have emigrated and return to their hometown. The event is part of the rich calendar of Sicilian popular traditions, where the cult of saints intertwines with social life, street food, and the pride of belonging to the village. The promotion of this devotional heritage is also managed by the local Pro Loco, part of the UNPLI Sicilia network.