Feast of Saint Stephen the Protomartyr (Winter)

The winter patronal feast of Aci Bonaccorsi

On December 26th, the liturgical feast day of Saint Stephen the Protomartyr, the town of Aci Bonaccorsi, a small village resting on the southeastern slopes of Mount Etna in the province of Catania, celebrates its winter patronal feast. This celebration, along with the grand summer festival on August 3rd, marks the religious and civic life of the local community.

Saint Stephen, patron saint since the 16th century

Saint Stephen the Protomartyr has been the patron saint of Aci Bonaccorsi since the 16th century. The wooden statue, dating back to the late 1500s, depicts the young saint dressed in a dalmatic, holding the palm of martyrdom and the stones that recall his stoning. It is kept in the Mother Church of Santa Maria dell'Indirizzo, the spiritual heart of the town and the starting point of the procession.

The program for December 26th

The day opens with the svelata (unveiling), an emotional moment when the precious statue is revealed to the faithful. This is followed by the festive ringing of bells, the firing of crackers, and the Solemn Pontifical Mass celebrated in the main church. In the afternoon, the procession begins, winding through the streets of the historic center, where the statue and the saint's relic are carried in a parade accompanied by hymns, prayers, confraternities, and civil authorities.

The tradition of fireworks

As in almost all towns around Mount Etna, the patronal feast of Aci Bonaccorsi is inextricably linked to fireworks. This tradition gained particular importance after the Second World War and has made the town famous at both a regional and national level. The pyrotechnic displays are provided by the two historic districts, Piazza and Battiati, creating a friendly competition that highlights the key moments of the procession.

A feast celebrated twice a year

In Aci Bonaccorsi, Saint Stephen is celebrated twice: the winter liturgical feast on December 26th and the grand summer festival on August 2nd-3rd, which commemorates the discovery of the Protomartyr's body and culminates in the famous National Fireworks Festival. The winter edition retains a more intimate and devotional character, tied to Christmas and the community's religious traditions.