Feast of Saint John the Baptist (Nativity)
The June patronal feast of Monterosso Almo, blending faith and Iblean tradition
About Saint John the Baptist (Nativity)
The Nativity of the patron saint of Monterosso Almo
In the heart of the Iblei Mountains, in the small baroque town of Monterosso Almo in the province of Ragusa, Sicily, devotion to Saint John the Baptist, the town's patron and protector, marks two key moments in the year. The June event celebrates the Nativity of the Saint and takes place from June 15th to 24th, featuring a solemn octave of prayer that prepares the community for the feast day on June 24th. It is an intimate and deeply spiritual celebration, distinct from the more spectacular 'Festa Grande' held on the first Sunday of September, when the village fills with returning emigrants from all over the world.
An ancient devotion
The cult of Saint John the Baptist in Monterosso Almo has roots spanning centuries: the confraternity dedicated to the saint dates back to the 13th century, a testament to a deeply ingrained and unbroken religious tradition. The fercolo (processional float) carrying the patron's statue, covered in gold leaf, is a fine example of local craftsmanship, recently restored and returned to the high altar of the Mother Church.
The June octave
The festivities begin on June 15th with the festive ringing of bells and twenty-one cannon shots. The following days are dedicated to different community groups: the day of the bearers, the day for engaged couples and young families, prayers for missions, the day for the sick, and the day for worshippers. Every evening, the Mother Church hosts the rosary, the chaplet to the patron saints, and the Eucharistic celebration.
The solemnity of June 24th
The most anticipated moment is the vigil on June 23rd, featuring the evocative "Night of Saint John": solemn Eucharistic adoration, community prayer, and a midnight blessing. On June 24th, the day of the solemnity, the church opens at dawn, and at 7:00 AM, the bells ring out amidst twenty-one cannon shots. Following morning masses, the evening features the procession with the saint's relic, accompanied by hymns and prayers, before the sky over Monterosso Almo is illuminated by a fireworks display.
A landmark for the Iblean village
Experiencing the June festivities means discovering the authentic soul of Monterosso Almo: its baroque squares, the Mother Church, and the intimate atmosphere of a town that makes faith and tradition its foundation. A festival that unites popular religiosity and community identity within the Iblean landscape.
Saint John the Baptist (Nativity) — edition 2026
The 2026 program opens on Sunday, June 15th with the festive ringing of bells, twenty-one cannon shots, and the presentation of the restored fercolo, followed by a mass for graduating students.
The octave continues with thematic days: June 16th is the day of the bearers, June 17th is the mass for engaged and young couples, June 18th is the day of prayer for missions, June 19th is the day for the sick with Lectio Divina, and June 22nd is the day for worshippers.
Tuesday, June 23rd, the vigil of the solemnity: at 8:00 PM, Holy Mass, and at 9:00 PM, the evocative "Night of Saint John" with Eucharistic adoration and a midnight blessing.
Wednesday, June 24th, the day of the solemnity: church opens at 6:00 AM, festive bells and twenty-one cannon shots at 7:00 AM, masses at 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM. In the evening, at 9:00 PM, the procession with the relic, followed by the fireworks display at 9:30 PM.
Programme Saint John the Baptist (Nativity) 2026
Octave and Solemnity
- Sun, Jun 15 — Opening: festive bells, 21 cannon shots, presentation of the restored fercolo at 7:30 PM; mass for graduates
- Mon, Jun 16 — Day of the Bearers: rosary and chaplet at 7:30 PM, mass at 8:00 PM
- Tue, Jun 17 — Mass for engaged and young couples at 8:00 PM
- Wed, Jun 18 — Day of prayer for missions at 8:00 PM
- Thu, Jun 19 — Day for the sick at 8:00 PM; Lectio Divina at 9:00 PM
- Sun, Jun 22 — Day for worshippers, mass at 8:00 PM
- Mon, Jun 23 — Vigil: mass at 8:00 PM; "Night of Saint John" at 9:00 PM with adoration, community adoration at 11:00 PM, midnight blessing
- Tue, Jun 24 (Solemnity) — 6:00 AM church opens; 7:00 AM bells and 21 cannon shots; 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM Holy Masses; 7:30 PM rosary and chaplet; 8:00 PM solemn mass; 9:00 PM relic procession; 9:30 PM fireworks display
Highlights Saint John the Baptist (Nativity) 2026
- The "Night of Saint John" vigil with Eucharistic adoration and midnight blessing
- The procession with the patron saint's relic on June 24th
- The fireworks display closing the solemnity
- The restored fercolo, returned to the high altar of the Mother Church
Prices Saint John the Baptist (Nativity) 2026
Practical information — Saint John the Baptist (Nativity)
Location
The festivities take place at the Mother Church of Saint John the Baptist and throughout the historic center of Monterosso Almo (ZIP 97010), province of Ragusa, Sicily.
How to reach us
By car: Monterosso Almo can be reached via the main provincial roads connecting the towns of the Iblei Mountains (Ragusa, Vittoria, Giarratana). The nearest airports are Comiso and Catania-Fontanarossa. The reference train station is in Ragusa.
When
Octave from June 15th to 23rd; Nativity solemnity on June 24th. The relic procession and fireworks display take place on the evening of June 24th.
Admission
Access to all celebrations and events is free of charge.
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Where does it take place — Saint John the Baptist (Nativity)
Chiesa Madre di San Giovanni Battista