Feast of the Holy Martyr Brothers Alfio, Filadelfo, and Cirino
Etna's devotion to the three martyr brothers: a blend of faith, Sicilian carts, and rural tradition
About Feast of Sant'Alfio in Adrano
A festival rooted in Etnean devotion
The Feast of the Holy Martyr Brothers Alfio, Filadelfo, and Cirino is one of the most significant religious and folk celebrations in Adrano, a town on the slopes of Mount Etna in the province of Catania. Devotion to the three martyr brothers has been deeply embedded in the Etna area for centuries; the arrival of their relics in Adrano led to the founding of a parish dedicated to them, which remains the heart of the festivities today.
Who were the three martyr brothers?
Alfio, Filadelfo, and Cirino were three Christian brothers martyred in the 3rd century. According to tradition, they were brought to Sicily during the persecution of Decius and met their end in Lentini on May 10th, the day the Church commemorates as their dies natalis. They are venerated as patron saints in numerous Sicilian towns, including Lentini, Trecastagni, Sant'Alfio, and San Fratello, as well as in Adrano.
The procession and the statues
The core of the festival is the solemn procession: the three statues, restored and inspired by the famous ones in Trecastagni, are carried through the streets on a fercolo (processional float) pushed by the faithful in votive robes. The parade departs from the parish in the outskirts of Adrano and winds through the neighborhood streets until it reaches the historic center, accompanied by the offering of candles in the church and the devout participation of the community.
Sicilian carts and rural folklore
The festival has always been linked to rural folklore and the vibrantly decorated Sicilian carts pulled by festively harnessed horses, a symbol of the island's popular tradition. Folk groups, the sound of tambourines, and traditional instruments accompany the day, drawing visitors from neighboring towns. The evening concludes with a fireworks display.
Adrano and the Etna area
Set against the backdrop of Mount Etna in the province of Catania, the Adrano festival is an opportunity to discover one of the most authentic expressions of Sicilian religiosity and popular culture, where devotion to the martyrs merges with the territory's agricultural traditions.
Feast of Sant'Alfio in Adrano — edition 2026
For 2026, the Feast of the Holy Martyr Brothers Alfio, Filadelfo, and Cirino in Adrano was celebrated on May 10th, the dies natalis of the three martyr brothers, following a change announced by the organizers compared to the usual timing in the last Sundays of May.
The other innovation of the 2026 edition concerned the separation of the Sicilian cart parade from the religious procession: the traditional horse-drawn carts paraded at a distinct time, while the procession of the fercolo with the three statues inspired by those of Trecastagni retained its devotional character, traveling through the neighborhood streets to the historic center amidst candle offerings and the participation of the faithful.
The day concluded, as is tradition, with an evening fireworks display.
Programme Feast of Sant'Alfio in Adrano 2026
On May 10, 2026, the festivities followed the traditional structure: liturgical celebrations in the parish, the fercolo procession with the three statues pushed by devotees in votive attire through the district and historic center, candle offerings in church, and a closing evening fireworks display. As a novelty for the year, the Sicilian cart parade was organized separately from the religious procession.
Highlights Feast of Sant'Alfio in Adrano 2026
- Festival moved to May 10th, the day of the saints' martyrdom
- Procession of the fercolo with the three statues inspired by Trecastagni
- Sicilian cart parade separated from the religious procession
- Evening fireworks display
Prices Feast of Sant'Alfio in Adrano 2026
Practical information — Feast of Sant'Alfio in Adrano
Location
The festivities take place in Adrano (CT), Sicily, starting from the parish dedicated to the Holy Martyr Brothers in the outskirts of the town, with a procession leading to the historic center.
Getting there
Adrano can be reached by car via the A18/A19 motorways, taking the exit toward the Etna side, or by the Ferrovia Circumetnea railway which connects the towns on the slopes of Mount Etna. The nearest airport is Catania-Fontanarossa.
When
The festival is traditionally linked to the month of May. For the 2026 edition, the celebration is scheduled for May 10th, the day of the saints' martyrdom.
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Where does it take place — Feast of Sant'Alfio in Adrano
Parrocchia dei Santi Fratelli Martiri