Feast of Saint Margaret the Virgin and Martyr

A festival of devotion in the heart of Sicily

The Feast of Saint Margaret the Virgin and Martyr is one of the most heartfelt religious events in Agira, a town of just over eight thousand inhabitants perched on the eastern slope of Mount Teja, 650 meters above sea level, in the heart of the province of Enna, Sicily. The anniversary falls every year on July 20th, the day tradition commemorates the martyrdom of the Saint, who is venerated as the protector of childbirth and pregnant women.

The evening procession

The highlight of the festivities is the evening procession. At dusk, the statue of the Glorious Martyr, along with her relics, is carried on shoulders through the streets of the town, accompanied by the sounds of the brass band. The religious parade winds through the village streets in an atmosphere of profound popular participation, among the faithful, devotees, and visitors. The day begins with a more boisterous celebration, featuring the firing of cannons and the festive ringing of bells that announce the occasion to the entire community.

The 1784 statue

The statue venerated by the people of Agira dates back to 1784 and is kept in the Church of Saint Margaret, considered one of the largest in the diocese of Nicosia. The statue depicts the Saint wearing a pearl crown, holding a cross in one hand and the palm of martyrdom in the other, while crushing a defeated dragon under her feet, in accordance with the traditional iconography of the Virgin and Martyr.

Agira and its traditions

Agira is one of the oldest centers in Sicily and the birthplace of the Greek historian Diodorus Siculus. Its main patron is Saint Philip of Agira, celebrated on May 12th, but devotion to Saint Margaret remains one of the most cherished chapters in the town's religious calendar. Those visiting Agira for the festival can also discover the Arab-period castle, the Monastery of Saint Philip, and the famous cassatella, a crescent-shaped pastry typical of the area. The festival is organized by the Saint Margaret the Virgin and Martyr Festival Committee.

2026 Edition

The 2026 event is confirmed for July 20th. The detailed program of religious celebrations has not yet been published by the organizers and will be announced in the weeks leading up to the festival.