Feast of Saint Sebastian the Martyr

Saint Sebastian, co-patron of Giarre

In Giarre, a lively town on the Ionian coast near Catania, Saint Sebastian the Martyr is venerated as a co-patron alongside Saint Isidore the Farmer and is traditionally considered the protector of the local police. His feast, celebrated in late January, is one of the community's most heartfelt religious traditions, rooted in a devotion passed down through generations.

The Statue and the Duomo

The statue of the Saint is kept in a dedicated chapel within the Duomo di Sant'Isidoro Agricola, the grand cathedral that dominates Giarre's center. During the festival days, the statue is unveiled and welcomed by the faithful in an atmosphere of deep emotion, preceding the processional exit through the city streets.

The Procession and the Calata dell'Angelo

The heart of the festivities is the procession on January 26th. Following the solemn mass, the statue leaves the Duomo accompanied by the ringing of bells, firecrackers, and a daytime fireworks display, winding through the main streets of the historic center. The day features a multi-stage procession with significant stops, including one in front of the Town Hall. Among the most anticipated rites is the Calata dell'Angelo, a spectacular moment organized by local residents where a performer re-enacts an angel descending toward the Saint.

Band, Faithful, and Folklore

• The preparatory triduum with evening celebrations in the days leading up to the feast;
• Musical accompaniment by the local marching band along the processional route;
• Decorated streets and the choral participation of the faithful;
• The closing fireworks display in Piazza Duomo.

A Defining Appointment

The Feast of Saint Sebastian in Giarre weaves together faith, popular spirituality, and civic identity. It is an occasion for the Ionian community to gather around the figure of the martyr saint, marking a key event in the Sicilian winter calendar. The celebrations traditionally conclude with the 'Ottava' (the octave) a few days after the main feast.