Feast of Saint Vitus the Martyr
The patronal feast of Mascalucia: faith, a 16th-century statue, and fireworks
About Feast of Saint Vitus
The patronal feast of Mascalucia
The Feast of Saint Vitus the Martyr is the primary religious and popular celebration in Mascalucia, a town in the Etna hinterland within the province of Catania. For centuries, the community has rallied around its patron saint, officially proclaimed as such on March 3, 1771, replacing Saint Nicholas of Bari, although the cult of Saint Vitus in the area dates back at least to the 14th century, linked to the presence of Benedictine monks.
Two annual appointments
A unique feature of Mascalucia is that Saint Vitus is celebrated twice a year: on June 15th, the day of his martyrdom, with a more intimate and collected celebration, and on the first Sunday of August, when the town hosts a grand outdoor festival, more scenic and widely attended, featuring illuminations, market stalls, and pyrotechnic displays.
The statue and the relic
At the center of the festivities is the 16th-century statue of the Saint, carried in procession on a silver fercolo through the streets of the historic center. On the eve of the June feast, the venerated Relic of the Arm of Saint Vitus is also carried in procession. The most emotional moment is the svelata (unveiling): during the singing of the Gloria, the doors of the shrine open, and the faithful greet their Patron by waving white handkerchiefs and shouting "Viva San Vito," amidst the ringing of bells and the firing of firecrackers.
Traditions and folklore
The festivities blend the sacred and the popular: the blessing of dogs and pets on the church square (linked to the protection Saint Vitus offers against rabies and animal bites), the historical pageant in costume, the sacred performance "Iustus ut palma florebit", the "Entrance of the parties" from the various districts, and the allegorical floats depicting the life of the Saint. The event is framed by brass bands, artistic illuminations along the main streets, and fireworks that bring the celebration to a close.
A free event open to all
The festival is free and open to the entire community, but it also attracts visitors from neighboring towns in the Etna area. Between solemn masses, music, street food, and tradition, the Feast of Saint Vitus is the perfect opportunity to discover the authentic soul of Mascalucia and the Sicilian tradition of patronal feasts.
Feast of Saint Vitus — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Feast of Saint Vitus the Martyr confirms the tradition of the two celebratory moments in Mascalucia. June 15th, the day of the martyrdom, opened the festivities with the most heartfelt rites; the grand outdoor festival takes place on the first Sunday of August, August 2, 2026, with celebrations spread across the preceding weekend.
The program follows the established pattern of the patronal feast, featuring the following traditional moments.
Programme Feast of Saint Vitus 2026
June 15 — Internal feast (anniversary of the martyrdom)
- Morning — Cannon fire and brass band parade through the town streets
- 09:15 — Unveiling of the statue of Saint Vitus and solemn mass
- Following — Blessing of dogs and pets on the church square
- 17:00 — Arrival and concert of the brass band
- 20:00 — Exit of the Patron Saint and procession of the 16th-century statue towards the Mother Church, with historical pageant and sacred performance "Iustus ut palma florebit"
- 23:30 approx. — Return to the church and pyrotechnic show
First Sunday of August (August 2, 2026) — Grand outdoor festival
- Unveiling of the Patron Saint and "Entrance of the parties" of the districts
- Allegorical floats with live actors depicting the life of Saint Vitus
- 21:00 — Exit of Saint Vitus and procession along Via Etnea to the Mother Church
- Return to the Church of San Vito after the "Evviva Santu Vitu" fireworks display
Artistic illuminations along the main streets, market stalls, and food stands with local products accompany both days. Detailed times for individual events may be subject to change: it is recommended to verify the final program at the parish or the Town Hall.
Highlights Feast of Saint Vitus 2026
Prices Feast of Saint Vitus 2026
Practical information — Feast of Saint Vitus
How to get there
Mascalucia is located on the southern slopes of Mount Etna, about 10 km from Catania. By car, take the A18 motorway or the Catania ring road, exiting at Gravina/San Giovanni La Punta; the provincial road to Nicolosi is also convenient. By train or plane: arrive at Catania-Fontanarossa station or airport, then take AMTS or intercity buses to Mascalucia.
Where and when
The main rites take place at the Church of San Vito (Corso San Vito) and the Mother Church, with processions along Via Etnea and the historic center. The internal feast is held on June 15th, and the grand outdoor festival on the first Sunday of August.
Practical tips
Admission is free and open to all. For the evening fireworks, it is advisable to arrive early to secure a spot along the procession route. Information is available at the Mascalucia Town Hall (URP).
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Where does it take place — Feast of Saint Vitus
Chiesa di San Vito
Corso San Vito 1, 95030 Mascalucia