Feast of Saint John the Baptist (Great September Feast)

The Great Feast of the patron saint of Monterosso Almo

In the heart of the Iblei Mountains, in the municipality of Monterosso Almo (province of Ragusa, Sicily), the Feast of Saint John the Baptist represents the most anticipated moment of the year. The Saint has been the patron and protector of the town since 1590, and his Great Feast is celebrated every year on the first Sunday of September, following days of religious and secular events that bring the entire village to life.

Ancient origins

The roots of the devotion to Saint John the Baptist in Monterosso date back to the Middle Ages: tradition documents origins from the 12th century, while the confraternity dedicated to the Saint was founded in August 1257. For centuries, the entire population has participated in the feast, contributing with offerings in kind, especially wheat, a sign of the deep bond between the community and its protector. This heritage of faith and custom has reached us almost intact.

The nisciuta and the processions

The most evocative and emotional moment is the traditional nisciuta, the exit of the Saint from the Mother Church at 11:00 AM, anticipated by the blasts of the characteristic Egyptian trumpets and welcomed by the celebrating population amidst gunfire, fireworks, and the throwing of nzaiarieddi. The day features two processions: the morning one, preceded by the nocturnal arrival of barefoot devotees with candles, and the evening one, during which the statue is carried on the shoulders of the bearers atop an artistic hand-carved float covered in gold leaf, accompanied by marching bands.

The cena and the auction of votive sweets

Among the most deeply felt customs is the cena, the afternoon auction of traditional sweets and breads prepared by the faithful as an offering to the Saint: loaves of bread depicting the face of Saint John the Baptist are auctioned off, with the proceeds donated to the festivities. The streets of the historic center are illuminated with traditional festive lights.

Emigrants and the Golden Eagle Award

The Great September Feast is also a homecoming celebration: from Australia, Argentina, and all over Europe, Monterosso emigrants return to the village to reunite around their patron. In this context, the Golden Eagle Award is presented, a recognition dedicated to emigrants who have distinguished themselves for their work and ingenuity in Italy and around the world.

The pyromusical show

To close the festivities, the sky over Monterosso Almo lights up with the grand pyromusical show, a grand finale that combines music and fireworks to bid farewell to the Saint until the following year. An event that, together with the feast of the nativity on June 24th, confirms the central role of Saint John the Baptist in the identity of this village in the province of Ragusa.