Feast of Saint John the Baptist (with Varchiata a Mare and Fair)

A celebration of the sea and faith

In Pozzallo, a coastal town in the Ragusa Province on the southeastern tip of Sicily, the Feast of Saint John the Baptist is much more than a religious anniversary: it is the moment when the entire maritime community gathers around its co-patron. Saint John the Baptist is the protector of Pozzallo's sailors and emigrants, and the festival, celebrated around June 24th, weaves popular devotion together with the life of the port and the sea.

The Varchiata a Mare

The most characteristic and anticipated element is the "Varchiata", the sea procession. In the days leading up to the solemn day, after the religious service at the parish, the statue of the Saint is taken to the port area and placed on a fishing boat adorned with flowers. From there, it sets sail, followed by numerous small private boats decorated with red flags bearing the image of Saint John, while Coast Guard vessels ensure safety at sea. It is a deeply identity-driven spectacle, in which the Pozzallo fishing fleet pays homage to its protector.

The June 24th procession and the Reliquary Arm

On the day of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist, a solemn mass brings together authorities and the faithful. Late in the evening, after the Eucharistic celebration and the traditional auction of donated gifts, the statue of the Baptist is carried on shoulders through the streets of the town center along with the Reliquary Arm, which houses a bone relic donated by Cardinal Giuseppe Siri of Genoa.

Theater, ice cream, and the fair

Alongside the religious events, the municipal and parish program offers festive moments for everyone: folk theater, the Ice Cream Festival, and the traditional Saint John's Fair, with its stalls hosted in the Piazzetta delle Capitanerie di Porto area. These are days that bring the center of Pozzallo to life, drawing in residents, returning emigrants, and visitors alike.

A century-old tradition

The first documented festival dates back to 1925, when celebrations began at the church in the Balata district; the current church dedicated to the Saint, which celebrated its centenary in 2024, preserves the deep bond between Pozzallo and its Baptist. For those visiting southeastern Sicily in June, the Feast of Saint John the Baptist offers the chance to witness one of the most heartfelt maritime festivals in the Ragusa Province.