Feast of the Patronage of Saint Lucy (May Saint Lucy)
The spring patronal feast commemorating the 1646 grain miracle in Syracuse
About May Saint Lucy
A patronal feast in the heart of Ortigia
The Feast of the Patronage of Saint Lucy, which the people of Syracuse affectionately call May Saint Lucy or, in dialect, Santa Lucia re quagghie (Saint Lucy of the doves, due to the birds released during the rites), is one of the two major festivals dedicated to the patron saint of Syracuse, in Sicily. Unlike the solemnity of December 13th, this spring recurrence is celebrated on the first Sunday of May and is rooted in a miraculous event.
The 1646 grain miracle
The festival commemorates the miracle of May 1646, when a severe famine was ravaging the city. The faithful turned to their protector and, according to tradition, ships loaded with grain and supplies arrived from the sea, ending the hunger. Since then, the people of Syracuse have fulfilled their vow to honor the Patronage of the Saint every year, and the 2026 edition marks the 380th celebration of this ancient civic devotion.
The rites and the procession
The heart of the festival is the solemn procession of the silver statue of Saint Lucy, a precious work kept in the Cathedral. On the Sunday of the Patronage, after the pontifical mass, the statue and the relics cross Piazza Duomo to reach the Church of Santa Lucia alla Badia, while the characteristic release of doves takes place in the sky. The statue then remains exposed for the veneration of the faithful throughout the octave, before the return procession to the Cathedral.
A week of faith and tradition
The celebrations span over two weeks of events: the opening of the statue's niche, the translation to the high altar, Eucharistic concelebrations presided over by archbishops and bishops, sacred music concerts by the Santa Lucia Choir, guided tours, and prayer vigils. All under the care of the Deputation of the Chapel of Saint Lucy, the guardian of the tradition.
Experiencing the festival in Syracuse
Participating in May Saint Lucy means immersing yourself in the most authentic identity of the Municipality of Syracuse: the baroque alleys of Ortigia, the aroma of typical sweets like cuccìa, the sound of church bells, and the devout crowd accompanying the Saint. An event that combines spirituality, history, and folklore, ranking among the most deeply felt in the Province of Syracuse and the entire south-eastern Sicily.
May Saint Lucy — edition 2026
The 2026 edition, the 380th in history, opened on Sunday, April 26, with the delivery of the relics at the Basilica of Santa Lucia al Sepolcro and the Surrexit Dominus concert by the Schola Cantorum. On Saturday, May 2, the opening of the statue's niche, the reception of the relics, and the translation to the high altar took place, with the celebration presided over by Archbishop Francesco Lomanto.
The highlight was Sunday, May 3, the feast of the Patronage: at 10:00 AM, the solemn Eucharistic concelebration presided over by Msgr. Salvatore Rumeo, Bishop of Noto, and at noon, the procession of the statue from the Cathedral to the Church of Santa Lucia alla Badia, with the traditional release of doves. After the octave of veneration, the return procession to the Cathedral was held on Sunday, May 10, closing the celebrations.
Programme May Saint Lucy 2026
2026 Program
- Sunday, April 26 – 10:30 AM delivery of relics at the Basilica of Santa Lucia al Sepolcro; 7:00 PM "Surrexit Dominus" concert with the Schola Cantorum
- Saturday, May 2 – opening of the statue's niche; 11:30 AM reception of the relics; 12:00 PM translation of the statue to the high altar; 7:00 PM Eucharistic celebration with Archbishop Msgr. Francesco Lomanto
- Sunday, May 3 (Patronage) – 10:00 AM solemn concelebration presided over by Msgr. Salvatore Rumeo, Bishop of Noto; 12:00 PM procession from the Cathedral to the Church of Santa Lucia alla Badia with the release of doves
- May 4–9 – octave, with daily holy masses and the statue exposed for veneration in the Church of Santa Lucia alla Badia
- Sunday, May 10 – 6:30 PM return procession of the statue to the Cathedral
Highlights May Saint Lucy 2026
- Procession of the silver statue on May 3
- Traditional release of doves in Piazza Duomo
- Pontifical mass presided over by the Bishop of Noto, Msgr. Rumeo
- Octave with the statue exposed at the Badia
Prices May Saint Lucy 2026
Practical information — May Saint Lucy
How to get there
By car: A18/RA15 Catania-Syracuse motorway, exit Syracuse; park outside Ortigia (Talete area) and continue on foot.
By train: Syracuse station, about 1.5 km from Ortigia, reachable on foot or by bus.
By plane: Catania-Fontanarossa airport (about 60 km), then bus or car.
Useful information
Religious rites take place between the Cathedral, the Basilica of Santa Lucia al Sepolcro, and the Church of Santa Lucia alla Badia, all in Ortigia. Participation in the celebrations is free. The Patronage procession is held on the first Sunday of May around noon. It is recommended to arrive early to witness the release of the doves in Piazza Duomo.
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Where does it take place — May Saint Lucy
Cattedrale di Siracusa (Duomo) e Ortigia
Piazza Duomo, 96100 Siracusa