Feast of Saint John the Baptist

The most cherished festival in Chiaramonte Gulfi

In the heart of the Iblean Mountains, the town of Chiaramonte Gulfi, in the province of Ragusa, celebrates its most anticipated event every June: the Feast of Saint John the Baptist, the city's patron saint and protector. The celebrations run from June 11th to 24th, followed by the concluding octave, transforming the Sicilian village into a crossroads of faith, tradition, and folklore. The core of the festivities is concentrated in the final days, with the highlight occurring on the solemnity of June 24th.

Origins and devotion

The cult of Saint John the Baptist in Chiaramonte Gulfi has ancient roots: according to tradition, it was introduced by the Knights of Malta in the 13th century, and since then, the Saint has been venerated as the precursor of Christ and protector of the community. Devotion is expressed through deeply meaningful rites, from the solemn Triduum and daily masses featuring the relic, to ancient popular customs like the eve fast, during which tradition dictates eating only fava beans.

Traditional rites

• The Svelata: On the eve of June 23rd, amidst the ringing of bells, gunfire, and band music, the veil covering the statue of the Saint is lifted, greeted by the cheers of the faithful.
• The 'nzareddi: Colorful red and white paper ribbons, blessed by contact with the statue, which are worn or kept as a sign of protection.
• The Sciuta: The dramatic exit of the statue from the Mother Church, accompanied by special effects, fireworks, and a shower of 'nzareddi launched from above.
• The Procession: The evening parade winds through the historic center with the participation of the clergy, confraternities with their embroidered banners, and civil and military authorities, visiting the churches of Santa Maria di Gesù, San Vito, and San Filippo.

A program between the sacred and the secular

Alongside liturgical events, the festival offers a rich secular calendar: symphonic marches performed by local brass bands in Piazza Duomo, the solemn pontifical mass presided over by the Bishop of Ragusa, musical performances, video mapping dedicated to the Baptist, and grand fireworks displays that illuminate the Chiaramonte sky. In recent years, the program has also been enriched by the Carrugghiu Fest, an event featuring live music, tastings, markets, and children's games in the neighborhood dedicated to the Saint.

A defining Sicilian tradition

More than just a patronal feast, the celebration of Saint John the Baptist is an identity-defining event for Chiaramonte Gulfi that mobilizes the entire town and attracts devotees and visitors from across the province of Ragusa and all of Sicily. It is an opportunity to experience the authenticity of Iblean religious traditions firsthand, immersed in the Baroque atmosphere of one of Italy's most beautiful villages.