Feast of Saint Venera (Patron Saint of Acireale)
The Baroque patronal feast of Acireale, featuring candelore, processions, and popular devotion
About Feast of Saint Venera
Saint Venera, Patron Saint of Acireale
The Feast of Saint Venera is the primary religious and popular celebration in Acireale, a Baroque city in the province of Catania overlooking the Cyclops Riviera. Saint Venera, a virgin and martyr, is venerated as the protector of the city and the diocese: according to local tradition, she has repeatedly shielded Acireale from Mount Etna's eruptions and mitigated the damage of earthquakes, including the devastating 1693 tremor that leveled much of eastern Sicily. The saint was named patron of the city in 1651, and the bond between Acireale and its protector has remained unbroken ever since.
The silver fercolo and the Baroque chapel
The heart of the devotion is the Chapel of Saint Venera inside the Cathedral Basilica of Maria Santissima Annunziata, built between 1658 and 1687 and adorned with 18th-century frescoes and an altarpiece by Antonio Filocamo. The sacristy houses the magnificent silver fercolo, which is carried in procession every year, bearing the statue of the patron saint through the streets of the historic center in a triumph of Sicilian goldsmithing.
The guild candelore
Among the most spectacular elements of the festival are the candelore: monumental, finely carved and decorated wooden candles carried on the shoulders by representatives of the city's ancient artisan guilds (shoemakers, bakers, masons, and other trades). Each candelora represents a specific craft and testifies to the rich artisan and commercial tradition of Acireale. During the parade, the bearers give the candles a characteristic swaying, dancing movement known as the annacata, accompanied by the festive marches of the brass bands.
Processions, cantatas, and fireworks
The festivities culminate on July 26th, the patron saint's day, with the solemn morning pontifical mass, the evening procession, and the singing of the hymn to the Saint performed by the Musical Chapel of the Venerable Royal Chapel of Saint Venera. The festival traditionally closes with fireworks that color the city sky. A deeply felt tradition is also the symbolic handing over of the city keys to the patron saint by the Mayor, a gesture that renews the entrustment of Acireale to its protector.
A defining festival for Sicily
More than just a religious event, the Feast of Saint Venera is a defining appointment for the entire Acireale community and the diocese: a tapestry of faith, folklore, music, and artisan tradition that, every year in late July, brings the Baroque squares of Acireale to life and attracts pilgrims and curious visitors from across the province of Catania and all of Sicily.
Feast of Saint Venera — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Feast of Saint Venera in Acireale focuses on the days between July 23rd and 26th, with a rich program of religious and cultural events in the Baroque heart of the city. As in the previous year, marked by the Jubilee, the traditional external procession of July 25th is suspended and postponed to November, while on July 26th, the patron saint's day, the solemn pontifical mass, the procession, and the singing of the hymn to the Patron Saint remain confirmed.
The evenings of July 23rd and 24th in Piazza Duomo are dedicated to cultural events, with the Grand Gala of the candelore and the choral concerts, which serve as a prelude to the celebrations of the feast day. The candelore of the ancient artisan guilds remain the protagonists, accompanied by brass bands and the devotion of the faithful from Acireale.
Programme Feast of Saint Venera 2026
Wednesday, July 23 — Piazza Duomo
- 9:00 PM — Grand Gala of the candelore: the votive candles of the ancient artisan guilds parade accompanied by brass bands. Evening hosted by soprano Maria Grazia Tringale, with Baroque fountain and light displays.
Thursday, July 24 — Piazza Duomo
- 9:00 PM — "Homage to Venera the Patron" concert with the "Giuseppe Verdi" wind orchestra, the Musical Chapel of the Royal Chapel of Saint Venera, and the "Opera Mundi" lyrical choir.
Friday, July 25
- Morning — Translation of the reliquary bust of the patron saint from the Royal Chapel to the main altar of the Cathedral Basilica.
- 7:30 PM — Statio at the church of San Rocco and procession along Corso Umberto to the Cathedral, with a solemn Eucharistic celebration presided over by the Bishop.
- Note: the traditional external procession of July 25th is postponed to November for the Jubilee of public officials and law enforcement.
Saturday, July 26 — Patron Saint's Day
- Morning — Solemn Pontifical Mass presided over by the Bishop.
- Evening — Procession and singing of the hymn to the Patron Saint performed by the Musical Chapel of the Venerable Royal Chapel of Saint Venera, with characteristic fireworks to conclude the festivities.
Highlights Feast of Saint Venera 2026
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Practical information — Feast of Saint Venera
Getting there
Acireale is located along the Ionian coast of the province of Catania. By car, it can be reached via the A18 Messina-Catania motorway, taking the Acireale exit. By train, the Acireale station is served by the Messina-Catania-Syracuse line. The nearest airport is Catania-Fontanarossa, about 25 km away.
Where it takes place
The hub of the celebrations is Piazza Duomo, home to the Cathedral Basilica, while processions and the candelore parade through the Baroque historic center along Corso Umberto and the surrounding streets.
Practical tips
The festival takes place in the height of summer: light clothing, water, and comfortable footwear are recommended for following the processions on foot. Evening events in the square are very crowded; it is best to arrive early to secure a spot. Admission to all celebrations is free.
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Where does it take place — Feast of Saint Venera
Basilica Cattedrale di Maria Santissima Annunziata
Piazza Duomo, 95024 Acireale