Feast of Saint Bartholomew the Apostle and Secular Fair

The patronal festival of Giarratana

In the heart of the Iblei Mountains, the small town of Giarratana, in the province of Ragusa, dedicates an entire week in August to its patron saint, Saint Bartholomew the Apostle. It is the most deeply felt celebration of the year, drawing back emigrants and visitors from neighboring Iblean towns. The festivities blend religious devotion, marked by rites in honor of the Saint, with social and folk traditions, including concerts, marching bands, performances, and the famous livestock fair.

The Sciuta and Trasuta on August 24th

The highlight occurs on August 24th, the Saint's liturgical feast day. The day begins at dawn with twenty-one cannon shots and the festive ringing of bells. At noon, the statue of Saint Bartholomew leaves the Mother Church for the "Sciuta", accompanied by the crackling of firecrackers and the characteristic "nzaiareddi" traditional fireworks. In the evening, a long procession winds through the historic center until the solemn "Trasuta", the return of the statue to the church, a moment of deep collective emotion. Among the most characteristic rites is the auction of gifts offered to the Saint by the faithful.

The Secular Fair of Saint Bartholomew

The social soul of the festival is the Secular Fair of Saint Bartholomew, traditionally held on August 21st in the outskirts of the town, particularly in the Mandrevecchie district, featuring a significant presence of cattle and horses. Established by royal decree of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies in the early 19th century, it is the oldest livestock fair in the province of Ragusa. Its roots go even deeper: as early as 1611, a Spanish viceroy's edict recognized Saint Bartholomew's patronage over the fief of Giarratana, confirmed in 1641 by an edict from the Bishop of Syracuse—acts that made it one of the most important "cloth and livestock" fairs in Sicily. Today, the fair combines animal trading with the promotion of local agricultural products.

The Grand Gala - Horses at the Fair

Among the most spectacular events of recent years is the Grand Gala - Horses at the Fair, an equestrian event featuring horse performances, high-school dressage, carousels, and parades of riders, organized by the Scuderia Runza events equestri Sicilia in collaboration with the Municipality of Giarratana. The week is completed by concerts, musical performances by the parish choir, and evening shows in the square.