Feast of Saint Philip the Apostle
The festival of the "Black Saint" of Aidone, a blend of age-old faith and popular devotion in the heart of the Erei mountains
About Saint Philip the Apostle
An ancient devotion in the heart of Sicily
In Aidone, a village in the province of Enna nestled among the Erei mountains, the Feast of Saint Philip the Apostle is much more than a religious observance: it is the very identity of the community. Venerated as the city's co-patron and known to all as the "Black Saint", Saint Philip is considered a miracle-working saint. Every May 1st, his feast day draws thousands of faithful from about fifty Sicilian communities in a collective pilgrimage that has few equals on the island.
The "reverse" procession ritual
The most anticipated moment is the procession of the statue through the streets of the historic center. Tradition dictates that the statue be carried out of the church "backwards", facing away from Piazza Armerina: a gesture born from an ancient historical dispute between the two communities and the belief that the saint grants his favors more readily to those coming from outside. Devotees approach the statue holding lit candles, following an ancient custom.
Pilgrimages on foot
In the days leading up to the festival, numerous faithful undertake long journeys on foot across the province of Enna to fulfill a vow or ask for a grace. The community pilgrimage traditionally starts from the Bellia crucifix and covers several kilometers along the State Road 288 to the sanctuary, in an atmosphere of both reflection and celebration.
The statue and civic symbols
The statue, which has undergone restoration over time, depicts the apostle with a silver staff topped by a Greek cross, a rose in his right hand, and the Gospel in his left. The colors associated with Saint Philip—blue, red, black, green, and silver—recall the ancient civic coat of arms of Aidone, one of the oldest in Sicily.
A people's festival
The day of May 1st is marked by hourly Eucharistic celebrations, the solemn Pontifical Mass, fireworks that wake the town at dawn, and brass bands that enliven the squares. Alongside the religious dimension, the festival is a great moment of gathering for the people of Aidone, with the patronal fair and civil festivities accompanying the entire period. Celebrations continue for weeks, concluding with the "Night of the Sanctuaries" and the "Festival of the Aidonesi" that closes the calendar.
Saint Philip the Apostle — edition 2026
The 2026 festivities opened on April 19 with the exposition of the statue and continued from April 22 with the novena of daily Eucharistic celebrations. On April 24, the customary community pilgrimage was held. The eve of April 30 saw the night opening of the sanctuary, welcoming pilgrims also from Nicosia, with the solemn midnight liturgy presided over by the parish priest. May 1st, the highlight day, culminated in the great Pontifical Mass and the procession of the statue and relics. Celebrations concluded on June 1st with the "Night of the Sanctuaries" and the "Festival of the Aidonesi".
Programme Saint Philip the Apostle 2026
Wednesday, April 22 — Opening of the novena
- Start of the novena with daily Eucharistic celebrations
Friday, April 24 — Community pilgrimage
- 16:30 — Departure from the Bellia crucifix along the SS 288 (approx. 7 km) towards the sanctuary
Thursday, April 30 — Eve
- Morning — Opening of the sanctuary and welcome for pilgrims from Nicosia
- 12:00 — Supplication
- Afternoon — Eucharistic celebrations every hour
- 20:00 — Ringing of bells, cannon shots, and start of festivities with the band
- 24:00 — Solemn liturgy presided over by the parish priest; the sanctuary remains open all night
Friday, May 1st — Solemnity of Saint Philip the Apostle
- 06:00 — Start of hourly Eucharistic celebrations
- 08:00 — Fireworks to wake the town
- 11:00 — Solemn Pontifical Mass presided over by Cardinal Baldo Reina, concelebrated by the Bishop of Piazza Armerina
- 11:30 — Gathering of the town band in Piazza Cordova
- 13:00 — Procession of the statue of Saint Philip and the relics through the historic center, accompanied by the Morgantina Musical Association
- 16:30 — Resumption of hourly Eucharistic celebrations
- 22:00 — Closing of the sanctuary after approximately 36 hours of continuous celebration
Monday, June 1st — Conclusion
- "Night of the Sanctuaries" (national event) and "Festival of the Aidonesi": in the evening, the statue returns in procession through the town streets
Highlights Saint Philip the Apostle 2026
Prices Saint Philip the Apostle 2026
Practical information — Saint Philip the Apostle
Location
Sanctuary of Saint Philip the Apostle and the historic center of Aidone (EN), province of Enna, Sicily.
When
Culminates on May 1st, with festivities extending from late April until June 1st (Night of the Sanctuaries).
How to get there
By car from Enna or Catania, you can reach Aidone via the inland roads of the Erei; the village is close to the famous archaeological site of Morgantina and the Archaeological Museum. It is recommended to arrive early on May 1st due to the influx of pilgrims.
Tips
Admission to religious celebrations is free. Wear comfortable clothing if you are participating in the pilgrimages on foot.
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Where does it take place — Saint Philip the Apostle
Santuario di San Filippo Apostolo