Feast of Saint Anthony the Abbot (Winter Edition)

The feast that gave the town its name

The Feast of Saint Anthony the Abbot in its winter edition is the heart of the identity of Aci Sant'Antonio, a town in the Metropolitan City of Catania nestled on the slopes of Mount Etna. Devotion to the patron saint is so deep that the town, originally called Casalotto, changed its name in honor of Saint Anthony the Abbot. A 1563 privilege attests that inhabitants were already carrying the Saint's statue in procession back then: a continuity of faith spanning centuries that draws locals, returning emigrants, and curious visitors every January 17th.

The January 17th ritual

Winter festivities are announced on the morning of January 17th by the tolling of sacred bells and cannon fire. These are followed by Eucharistic celebrations, the blessing of the bread, and the traditional unveiling of the 16th-century statue, exposed for the veneration of the faithful. In the late morning, the most beloved and popular rite takes place: the blessing of the animals, in homage to the Saint, protector of livestock and domestic pets.

At nightfall, the 16th-century statue is placed on an artistic vara (float), adorned with Corinthian columns, arches, a richly decorated dome, silver lamps, and cherubs. Upon exiting the Mother Church, dedicated to him, the Saint is welcomed by a festive crowd and led in procession through the town center, with stops for prayer in front of local churches.

The 'candelore' and traditions

The procession is marked by the historic candelore, six imposing votive candles carried on shoulders that, since their appearance in the 18th century, have illuminated the path of the procession. The festival also preserves ancient traditions such as the 'calata dell'angelo' (descent of the angel) and the neighborhood chants, making this event an intangible heritage of the Etna territory.

Winter and summer: two faces of the same devotion

Aci Sant'Antonio dedicates two distinct events to its patron: the winter feast on January 17th, which is more intimate and tied to the liturgical calendar, and the grand summer feast in August with the famous 'Cerei' and illuminations. The winter feast represents the most intimate and devotional moment, ideal for those wishing to discover the authentic popular religiosity of Sicily far from the major tourist circuits.

Why it is worth it

Participating in the Feast of Saint Anthony the Abbot in Aci Sant'Antonio, in the province of Catania, means experiencing a centuries-old tradition where faith becomes a community celebration amidst processions, ancient rites, 'candelore', and the evocative blessing of the animals. An authentic experience of the Etna region to be enjoyed in January.