Feast of Saint John the Baptist and Ancient Saint John Fair
The patronal feast of Randazzo, featuring a procession, votive auction, fireworks, and the ancient livestock fair in the San Martino district.
About Feast of Saint John the Baptist
San Giuvannuzzu, the patron saint of Randazzo
In the heart of Etna Park, where the provinces of Catania, Messina, and Enna meet, the village of Randazzo (Catania, Sicily) celebrates its patron saint, Saint John the Baptist, every year in late June. Affectionately called San Giuvannuzzu by the locals, this is one of the most deeply rooted patronal feasts in the Etna area, drawing faithful and visitors from all over Eastern Sicily.
The San Martino district, the stage for the festival
The celebrations center around the ancient San Martino district, a medieval jewel that largely escaped the 1943 bombings. With its narrow vanellazze (alleys), historic palaces, and the Church of San Martino—featuring a majestic 41-meter bell tower adorned with mullioned windows—it provides a stunning backdrop. The solemn procession of the Saint's statue, carried on the shoulders of young men in traditional white attire, begins here.
Between faith and the ancient fair
The festival has its roots in a centuries-old livestock fair that was held beside the ancient church dedicated to the Saint, just outside the San Martino Gate. From that tradition, combined with the arrival of a statue for the procession, the religious feast was born. Today, the solemnities are still accompanied by the Ancient Saint John Fair, which brings the medieval village to life with stalls selling livestock, agricultural tools, handicrafts, and local products.
Characteristic rituals
- The triduum at the Church of San Martino, with the Holy Rosary and evening masses.
- Blessings for pregnant women and the distribution of the "Saint John medals."
- The offering of wax by confraternities, parish groups, and volunteer associations.
- The procession through the town streets, accompanied by the "E. Marotta" Band.
- The traditional and ancient "Saint John Auction", a votive auction followed by a raffle.
- Fireworks displays that illuminate the Randazzo night sky.
Amidst the ringing of bells, the waving of white handkerchiefs, and the sound of firecrackers, the Feast of Saint John the Baptist remains a defining event for Randazzo and the entire Etna region, where the sacred and the profane, popular devotion, and rural tradition have coexisted for centuries.
Feast of Saint John the Baptist — edition 2026
2026 Edition
From June 19 to 24, 2026, Randazzo celebrates its patron saint, John the Baptist. The triduum and religious services take place in the Church of San Martino, while the medieval village hosts the Ancient Saint John Fair. The highlight is June 24, with the procession of the statue, the Saint John Auction, and fireworks displays.
Programme Feast of Saint John the Baptist 2026
Saturday, June 20
- 11:00 AM — Relics of the Saint brought to the Nursing Home
- 5:30 PM — Holy Rosary
- 6:00 PM — Mass with blessing for pregnant women
- 9:30 PM — Performance by the Piccolo Coro Arcobaleno
Sunday, June 21
- 5:30 PM — Holy Rosary
- 6:00 PM — Mass with blessing of the "Saint John Medals"
Monday, June 22
- 10:00 AM — Mass at the cemetery
- 5:30 PM — Holy Rosary and Mass
Tuesday, June 23 — Vigil
- 5:00 PM — Pilgrimage of parish communities from Randazzo and neighboring towns
- 5:30 PM — Offering of wax and Solemn Mass
- 9:30 PM — Medieval dance and drum performances by Sicularagonensia in Piazza San Martino
Wednesday, June 24 — Solemnity of Saint John the Baptist
- 8:00 AM — Bell ringing and firecrackers
- 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM — Holy Masses
- 6:30 PM — Triumphant exit of the statue on the artistic "Varetta" and procession through the streets, accompanied by the "E. Marotta" Band
- 9:00 PM — Traditional and ancient "Saint John Auction" in Piazza San Martino, followed by a raffle
- 9:45 PM — Arrival in Piazza San Martino, blessing with the relic, and return to the church
- 12:00 AM — Fireworks display on Via Pozzo
Throughout the festival, the San Martino district hosts the Ancient Saint John Fair, with stalls selling livestock, agricultural tools, handicrafts, and local products.
Highlights Feast of Saint John the Baptist 2026
Prices Feast of Saint John the Baptist 2026
Practical information — Feast of Saint John the Baptist
How to get there
Randazzo is located on the northern slope of Mount Etna, at an altitude of about 754 meters, along the SS120 road. By car, it can be reached from Catania (about 1 hour) and from Messina via Taormina. It is also served by the scenic Circumetnea railway line.
Where it takes place
The hub of the celebrations is the San Martino district, including the Church of San Martino and Piazza San Martino. The procession winds through the historic town center.
When
The festival is held in June, culminating on June 24th, the Solemnity of Saint John the Baptist. The Ancient Fair enlivens the village throughout the celebration days.
Admission
Access to religious celebrations and public events is free.
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Where does it take place — Feast of Saint John the Baptist
Quartiere San Martino
Piazza San Martino, 95036 Randazzo