Feast of the Immaculate Conception

One of the most iconic festivals of inland Sicily

In Caltabellotta, a charming medieval village perched over 900 meters above sea level in the province of Agrigento, December 8th is more than just a religious holiday: it is the day the entire community gathers around its oldest devotion. The Feast of the Immaculate Conception is the most heartfelt celebration in the town's calendar, drawing not only residents but also many emigrants returning home for the occasion, alongside visitors captivated by a tradition unique throughout Sicily.

The novena and preparations

The festivities span more than a single day: the nine days leading up to the solemnity are marked by the novena, featuring daily late-afternoon services, the rosary, and the traditional singing of the 'Stella dell'Immacolata'. On the evening of December 7th, the eve of the feast, a traveling vigil moves through the village districts to reach the Chiesa dell'Itria, the heart of the celebrations.

The December 8th procession

The day of the solemnity begins with morning mass. In the late afternoon, the statue of the Immaculate Conception leaves the Chiesa dell'Itria and is carried in procession along the narrow streets of the historic center, accompanied by the faithful, a brass band, and festive lights. The procession winds through the town for hours before returning to the church late in the evening.

'Lu Diavulazzu': burning the devil

The element that makes the Caltabellotta festival truly unique is 'lu Diavulazzu' (or Diavulazzo). This is an imposing effigy, about 7-8 meters tall, built by filling a wire mesh structure with straw and oakum, then covered in fabric and colored paper to resemble a devil: horns, a tail, a trident in the right hand, and a snake in the left. Between December 7th and 8th, the effigy is hoisted onto a beam overlooking Piazza Leone XIII and, upon the return of the procession, it is set on fire. The burning, which concludes the day late at night, carries deep symbolic value: it represents the victory of Good over Evil and the defeat of sin, as celebrated by the dogma of the Immaculate Conception.

A heritage of the Agrigento hills

Recognized as one of the most representative traditions of Caltabellotta and the Agrigento hinterland, the festival blends popular religion, spectacle, and community identity. For visitors, it is also an opportunity to discover one of Sicily's most fascinating villages, dominated by the ruins of the Castle and overlooking the Belice Valley.