Feast of Saint Joseph

The Feast of Saint Joseph in Altavilla Milicia

In the village of Altavilla Milicia, overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea in the Metropolitan City of Palermo, Sicily, devotion to Saint Joseph is one of the most heartfelt events of the year. The festivities, organized by the Saint Joseph Devotees Committee in collaboration with the Basilica Sanctuary of Madonna della Milicia and supported by the local municipality, take place around March 19th, the day of the Patriarch's solemnity.

The Novena and preparation days

The festival is preceded by a novena held daily from March 10th to 18th at the Holy Family Chapel: the Holy Rosary is recited at 4:30 PM, followed by Holy Mass. During the preparation days, the program alternates moments of prayer with community activities, ranging from games for children and teenagers to the traditional drum parade that enlivens the town streets, leading up to the First Vespers on the eve of the feast.

March 19th: The Solemnity

The day of the feast begins at dawn with the alborata and the drum parade announcing the solemnity through the village streets. In the morning, a charity collection for the parish Caritas takes place, followed by the Solemn Holy Mass at 11:00 AM and the distribution of blessed bread. In the afternoon, after the drum and marching band parade, a blessing of fathers accompanied by their children is held, followed by the evocative procession of the statue of Saint Joseph through the town streets.

Sfince and gastronomic tradition

The festival concludes in a convivial atmosphere with the free tasting of sfince, the typical Sicilian pastry for Saint Joseph's Day, distributed on Via Loreto, followed by a fireworks display. The sfincia of Saint Joseph, soft and topped with ricotta cream, is the delicious symbol of a festival that in Altavilla Milicia is deeply rooted in popular devotion and the ancient Saint Joseph's tables, the votive altars set up in honor of the patron saint of the poor and families.

A festival that also celebrates fathers

Coinciding with Father's Day, March 19th in Altavilla Milicia takes on a dual significance, both sacred and familial: a day entirely dedicated to the figure of Saint Joseph and, through him, to fatherhood, experienced by the entire community in an atmosphere of faith, tradition, and village celebration.