Feast of the Holy Crucifix and Our Lady of Miracles (Patrons of Caltabellotta)
The patronal festival of Caltabellotta, featuring the famous 'Prucissioni di l'oru' and the emotional 'Incontro' between the Madonna and the Crucifix
About Feast of the Patrons of Caltabellotta
A patronal festival dating back to 1601
The Feast of the Holy Crucifix and Our Lady of Miracles is the heart of popular devotion in Caltabellotta, a town in the Sicani Mountains in the province of Agrigento (Sicily). According to tradition, as noted by historian Rocco Pirro, on April 22, 1601, the people of Caltabellotta proclaimed Our Lady of Miracles as the patron and protector of the city in gratitude for being spared from the cholera epidemic. Since then, the cult has been intertwined with that of the venerated Holy Crucifix, an image of Eastern and Byzantine style preserved alongside the Marian statue, a work traditionally linked to the workshop of the 15th-century master Francesco Laurana.
The rites of the festival
The recurrence is celebrated on the last Sunday of July and spans several days of celebrations, processions, and popular gatherings held at the Church of Sant'Agostino. Among the most beloved rites:
- Prucissioni di l'oru (Gold Procession): On Saturday morning, devotees carry the golden treasures offered as ex-votos for graces received in a procession to Sant'Agostino.
- Dressing of the Patrons: The statues are adorned with gold jewelry donated by the faithful, while the remaining treasure embellishes the fercolo (processional float) of the Holy Crucifix.
- Scinnuta di la Madonna and Nisciuta: On Sunday afternoon, the statues are carried through the streets of the village, following the dawn fireworks.
- Lu ncontru (The Meeting): The most emotional moment of the festival takes place in the square on Sunday evening, when the Madonna and the Crucifix meet amidst pyrotechnic displays and the musical challenge between the two town bands.
Tradition, devotion, and identity
The festival is both a religious rite and a major identity-defining event for the entire community: brass bands, drum groups, performances, and convivial moments accompany the days. The Madonna's treasure, once even richer, was partially requisitioned by the government in 1935 for war purposes, but popular devotion has continued to replenish it. For Caltabellotta, a small Sicani village overlooking the Agrigento valley, this festival represents the deepest bond between history, faith, and the community that gathers every summer at the feet of its Patrons.
Feast of the Patrons of Caltabellotta — edition 2026
In 2026, the Feast of the Holy Crucifix and Our Lady of Miracles in Caltabellotta (AG) is celebrated around the last Sunday of July, the 26th, according to centuries-old tradition. The edition is marked by a historic event: on April 24, 2026, the Archbishop of Agrigento, Alessandro Damiano, presided over the solemn Canonical Coronation of the statue of Our Lady of Miracles, a recognition granted by pontifical authority, with a crown made from gold donated by the faithful.
Expected rites
- Prucissioni di l'oru: the procession of the golden treasure to the Church of Sant'Agostino.
- Dressing of the Patrons with the devotees' gold jewelry.
- Scinnuta and Nisciuta of the statues through the village streets.
- Lu ncontru: the evening Meeting between the Madonna and the Crucifix, with fireworks and the musical challenge of the town bands.
The detailed schedule for the 2026 edition will be released by the parish and the committee in the weeks leading up to the festival.
Programme Feast of the Patrons of Caltabellotta 2026
The program for the 2026 edition follows the traditional structure of the festival, spread over the last days of July around Sunday the 26th.
- Saturday, July 25 — morning: Prucissioni di l'oru, procession of the devotees' golden treasure to the Church of Sant'Agostino.
- Saturday, July 25 — noon: Dressing of the venerated Patrons with gold jewelry; the remaining treasure adorns the fercolo of the Holy Crucifix.
- Sunday, July 26 — dawn: Opening fireworks.
- Sunday, July 26 — afternoon: Scinnuta di la Madonna and Nisciuta, procession of the statues through the village streets.
- Sunday, July 26 — evening: Lu ncontru, the Meeting between the Madonna and the Crucifix, accompanied by fireworks and the musical challenge between the town bands.
Precise times are confirmed by the parish of Sant'Agostino in the days preceding the festival.
Highlights Feast of the Patrons of Caltabellotta 2026
Prices Feast of the Patrons of Caltabellotta 2026
Practical information — Feast of the Patrons of Caltabellotta
How to get there
Caltabellotta (AG) is located in the Sicani Mountains, in the inland area of Agrigento. By car, it can be reached from the SS115, exiting towards Sciacca and continuing on the SP37 inland. The nearest train stations are on the coast (Sciacca/Agrigento), from where you can continue by car or bus.
Where and when
The celebrations take place in the historic center and at the Church of Sant'Agostino on the last Sunday of July. Admission to processions and rites is free.
Tips
Wear comfortable shoes for the village's uphill streets and arrive early for the evening 'Incontro', as it is a very crowded and evocative moment.
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Where does it take place — Feast of the Patrons of Caltabellotta
Chiesa di Sant'Agostino
Spiazzo G. Marconi 4, 92010 Caltabellotta