Feast of Saint Theodore the Martyr
The patronal feast of Gallodoro, in the Agrò Valley above Taormina
About Saint Theodore Gallodoro
The patronal feast of Gallodoro
In the heart of the Agrò Valley, at an altitude of about 388 meters and just a few kilometers from Taormina, the village of Gallodoro (Metropolitan City of Messina, Sicily) gathers every year around its patron saint for the Feast of Saint Theodore the Martyr. With just over three hundred inhabitants, the village experiences this anniversary as the highlight of its calendar, drawing emigrants and visitors from neighboring towns along the narrow streets of the historic center.
Saint Theodore, the soldier saint
Devotion to Saint Theodore the Martyr has its roots in the Byzantine era. According to tradition, he was a Roman soldier put to death for his Christian faith in the early 4th century, under Emperor Galerius Maximian. In Gallodoro, his cult is kept in the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, the village's mother church, which houses a precious 17th-century statue and a processional banner attributed to the Messinese painting tradition. The patron saint's figure is now also celebrated by two murals by street artist Andrea Sposari, depicting him on horseback.
How the festival unfolds
The festivities follow a script handed down for generations. On the preceding Sunday, the evocative Cavalcata (Cavalcade) takes place, a procession of horsemen riding through the village streets to pay homage to the saint. On the eve, November 8th, the San Teodoro marching band parades through the village streets, while in the evening, the faithful gather in the church for the traditional prayer vigil, followed by fireworks and a convivial moment with music and tastings.
On the day of the civil feast, November 9th, the afternoon Eucharistic celebration precedes the procession of the statue through the streets of the center, accompanied by the band. A second anniversary, the liturgical feast, falls on February 7th. The most anticipated tastings revolve around the religious celebrations: pasta with chestnuts, sausage, and wine—autumn flavors that unite the spiritual dimension with the community spirit of this corner of the province of Messina.
Saint Theodore Gallodoro — edition 2026
Feast of Saint Theodore the Martyr 2026
The dates for the 2026 edition are confirmed: the liturgical feast is celebrated on February 7, 2026, while the civil patronal feast falls on November 9, 2026, preceded by the eve of November 8th and the Cavalcata on the preceding Sunday.
The detailed program (times of masses, the procession, and convivial events) has not yet been made public: the Santa Maria Assunta Parish has announced that it will soon publish the full program for the 2026 festivities. The festival layout follows the traditional scheme: marching band through the village streets, prayer vigil, Eucharistic celebration, procession of the 17th-century statue, fireworks, and tastings of pasta with chestnuts, sausage, and wine.
Programme Saint Theodore Gallodoro 2026
The detailed program for the 2026 edition will be published shortly by the Santa Maria Assunta Parish of Gallodoro. Based on previous editions, the festival is structured as follows:
- Preceding Sunday — Cavalcata: procession of horsemen through the village streets in honor of the patron saint.
- November 8 (eve) — San Teodoro marching band touring the village streets; in the evening, a prayer vigil at the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, fireworks, and a convivial moment with music and tastings (pasta with chestnuts, sausage, and wine).
- November 9 (civil feast) — Eucharistic celebration in the afternoon, followed by the procession of the 17th-century statue of Saint Theodore through the streets of the center, accompanied by the marching band.
- February 7 — Liturgical feast with Eucharistic celebration in honor of the patron saint.
Precise times will be communicated with the official 2026 program.
Highlights Saint Theodore Gallodoro 2026
Prices Saint Theodore Gallodoro 2026
Practical information — Saint Theodore Gallodoro
Where
The celebrations take place in the historic center of Gallodoro (ME), centered at the Church of Santa Maria Assunta. The village is located in the Agrò Valley, in the hinterland of Taormina and Letojanni.
When
Civil feast (patronal): November 9th, with the eve on November 8th and the Cavalcata on the preceding Sunday. Liturgical feast: February 7th.
How to get there
Gallodoro can be reached by car from the Ionian coast (A18 Taormina or Letojanni motorway exit) by heading inland into the Agrò Valley. A car is recommended due to the village's hilly location.
Admission
Participation in the celebrations and the procession is open and free of charge.
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Where does it take place — Saint Theodore Gallodoro
Chiesa Santa Maria Assunta