Feast of Saint Anthony of Padua (Patron Saint of Nicolosi)
The patronal feast of Nicolosi on the slopes of Mount Etna, blending faith, tradition, and processions
About Feast of Saint Anthony of Padua
The Patronal Feast of Nicolosi
In the town of Nicolosi, a small village resting on the slopes of Mount Etna in the province of Catania (Sicily), Saint Anthony of Padua—affectionately called Sant'Antonino by the locals—is venerated as the patron and protector of the city. His image is kept in the Mother Church, and the community dedicates some of its most heartfelt celebrations of the local calendar to him.
Three feasts in one year
The devotion to the saint is so strong that he is celebrated three times a year in Nicolosi, each with a unique meaning:
- February — Feast of the Tongue: Commemorates the translation of the relics, specifically the saint's tongue, a symbol of his famous eloquence.
- June 13th — Liturgical Feast: The day Saint Anthony ascended to heaven, preceded by the tredicina di Sant'Antuninu, thirteen days of prayer. The day includes the blessing of bread and votive garments, the exposition of the statue in the Mother Church, and the evening procession along the historic route of the village.
- Second Sunday of August — Outdoor Festival: The largest and most spectacular celebration, featuring processions, illuminations, a brass band, and fireworks.
The August Outdoor Festival
The outdoor festival begins on Saturday evening, when the statue leaves the Mother Church for the first procession through the town center amidst hymns, lights, and prayers. On Sunday, two solemn processions take place: the morning one follows the so-called historic route, passing through Via Garibaldi, Via G. Milana, Via Martiri d'Ungheria, and Via Etnea; in the evening, after the Solemn Mass, the grand final procession takes place, crossing all the town's districts, preceded by the Mayor's floral tribute.
A devotion linked to Mount Etna
The veneration of Saint Anthony in Nicolosi has its roots in the dramatic history of the territory: the morning procession route recalls the areas of the village destroyed by the devastating eruption of Mount Etna in 1669, testifying to the resilience of a community that rebuilt itself by relying on the protection of its patron saint. Even today, the festival unites religious devotion, collective identity, and popular tradition in an event that draws locals, returning emigrants, and visitors from the Etna area.
Feast of Saint Anthony of Padua — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the patronal feast of Nicolosi is divided, as per tradition, into two major moments. The liturgical feast of June 13th, preceded by the tredicina di Sant'Antuninu, featured the blessing of bread and votive garments, the exposition of the statue in the Mother Church, and the evening procession along the historic route, with a stop at the votive shrine on Via Martiri d'Ungheria.
The outdoor festival, the heart of the celebrations, takes place on the second Sunday of August, August 8th and 9th, 2026. On Saturday evening, the statue leaves for the first procession in the town center; on Sunday, the morning procession along the historic route (Via Garibaldi, Via G. Milana, Via Martiri d'Ungheria, Via Etnea) takes place, followed by the Solemn Mass and the grand evening procession that crosses all districts, preceded by the Mayor's floral tribute and accompanied by a band, illuminations, and fireworks.
Programme Feast of Saint Anthony of Padua 2026
Liturgical feast (June 13th)
- Tredicina di Sant'Antuninu in the preceding days
- Blessing of bread and votive garments
- Exposition of the statue in the Mother Church
- Festive ringing of bells and cannon shots at noon
- Solemn Mass and evening procession along the historic route
Outdoor festival (August 8-9)
- Saturday evening: first procession of the statue from the Mother Church
- Sunday morning: historic route procession (Via Garibaldi, Via G. Milana, Via Martiri d'Ungheria, Via Etnea)
- Sunday evening: Solemn Mass and grand final procession through all districts, with the Mayor's floral tribute, band, and fireworks
Highlights Feast of Saint Anthony of Padua 2026
- The grand final evening procession of the statue amidst illuminations and fireworks
- The historic route retracing the sites of the village destroyed by the 1669 eruption
- The blessing of bread and votive garments on June 13th
Prices Feast of Saint Anthony of Padua 2026
Practical information — Feast of Saint Anthony of Padua
How to get there
Nicolosi is located in the province of Catania, on the slopes of Mount Etna. By car, it can be reached from Catania via the SP10 ("Etna Road") in about 30 minutes. The nearest airport is Catania-Fontanarossa. In summer, bus connections between Catania and Nicolosi are available.
When
Liturgical feast on June 13th; outdoor festival on the second Sunday of August (Saturday evening and Sunday). Free admission to all celebrations and processions.
Tips
The evening processions and fireworks take place in the historic center: it is recommended to park in areas outside the town and reach the Mother Church on foot.
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Where does it take place — Feast of Saint Anthony of Padua
Chiesa Madre (Chiesa dello Spirito Santo)