Feast of Saint Anthony the Abbot
The patronal feast of Camporotondo Etneo, blending faith, traditional 'candelore' candles, and the spectacular Calata da Sciara
About Saint Anthony the Abbot
The patronal feast of Camporotondo Etneo
The Feast of Saint Anthony the Abbot is the most important celebration in Camporotondo Etneo, a small town nestled on the southern hills of Mount Etna, in the province of Catania. Saint Anthony the Abbot is the town's patron saint and, in a rather rare occurrence, is celebrated twice a year: on January 17th, the traditional liturgical date, and on the first Sunday of August, with a summer festival deeply meaningful to the entire community.
Two dates, one devotion
This double celebration is rooted in the town's recent history. On the night between August 5th and 6th, 1943, during the Second World War, several bombs dropped on the area caused no casualties. The people of Camporotondo recognized the miraculous intervention of their patron saint and rushed to the church to thank him. Since then, the winter feast in January has been joined by the Great Summer Feast on the first Sunday of August, which is now the most anticipated event of the year.
Candelore, flower displays, and traditions
The festival preserves a rich heritage of Etnean popular traditions. The protagonists are the candelore (wooden cerei dedicated to the saint), carried on the shoulders of devotees, and the infiorate (flower displays), considered one of the most original and defining aspects of the Camporotondo tradition. Devotion is expressed through processions, accompanied by the festive sound of bells, the town band, and the inevitable firework displays.
The Calata da Sciara
The highlight of the August festivities is the Calata da Sciara: the fercolo (processional float) bearing the statue of the saint tackles the steep lava-stone descent of the Calvario (in the local dialect, sciara refers to an Etnean lava flow), in a dramatic passage between faith and emotion, accompanied by fireworks. The procession, led by devotees in white robes, crosses the historic center, stopping in front of the town's churches, including the Mother Church of Saint Anthony the Abbot and the Church of Purgatorio.
An event to experience
Visiting Camporotondo Etneo during the festival means connecting with the most authentic side of Sicily: that of small Etnean towns where popular devotion, conviviality, and ancient customs merge into one great community celebration. It is also an ideal opportunity to discover the Catania area, just a few kilometers from Catania and the surrounding Etnean hinterland.
Saint Anthony the Abbot — edition 2026
The 2026 Feast of Saint Anthony the Abbot in Camporotondo Etneo confirms the traditional calendar with the two patronal commemorations.
The winter feast on January 17th opens the day with the festive ringing of bells and cannon shots, the unveiling of the statue, and Holy Mass with local authorities. In the afternoon, the blessing of animals takes place on the church square, followed by a procession through the town center to the Town Hall for a floral tribute.
The Great Summer Feast on Sunday, August 2nd, includes a procession with the relic on Saturday evening, and on Sunday, the Solemn Mass, the exit of the float with a canopy amidst the sound of bells and fireworks, the procession led by devotees in white robes, and the final Calata da Sciara down the Calvario slope, with a concluding firework display.
Programme Saint Anthony the Abbot 2026
January 17, 2026 — Winter Feast
- Morning — Festive ringing of bells and cannon shots
- Unveiling of the statue of Saint Anthony the Abbot and Holy Mass with authorities
- Afternoon — Blessing of animals on the church square
- Late afternoon — Procession through the center to the Town Hall with a floral tribute
August 2, 2026 — Great Summer Feast (first Sunday)
- Saturday evening — Procession with the saint's relic through the town
- Sunday — Solemn Mass in the Mother Church
- Exit of the float with canopy amidst bells and fireworks
- Procession led by devotees in white robes, with stops at local churches
- Calata da Sciara — descent of the float along the steep lava-stone slope of the Calvario
- Final firework display
The detailed program with full schedules will be published by the Parish and the Municipality in the weeks preceding each event.
Highlights Saint Anthony the Abbot 2026
The Calata da Sciara on the Sunday in August, with the float descending the lava-stone slope of the Calvario amidst fireworks; the candelore carried on shoulders and the flower displays; the blessing of animals on January 17th.
Prices Saint Anthony the Abbot 2026
Practical information — Saint Anthony the Abbot
How to get there
Camporotondo Etneo is located about 15 km from Catania, on the southwestern slopes of Mount Etna. By car, it can be reached from the Catania ring road by taking the exit towards the Etnean towns; Catania-Fontanarossa Airport is about 20 km away.
Where it takes place
The festivities revolve around the Mother Church of Saint Anthony the Abbot, the main square, and the streets of the historic center. The August procession culminates with the Calata da Sciara along the Calvario slope.
When
Winter feast on January 17th; Great Summer Feast on the first Sunday of August.
Costs
Access to all religious and popular festivities is free.
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Where does it take place — Saint Anthony the Abbot
Chiesa Madre Sant'Antonio Abate
Piazza Chiesa Madre, 95058 Camporotondo Etneo