Guardian Angel Festival

The patronal feast of Priolo Gargallo

The Guardian Angel Festival is the main event of the year for Priolo Gargallo, a town in the province of Syracuse overlooking the gulf in the heart of eastern Sicily. Dedicated to the patron saint—the Guardian Angel, revered as the community's protector—the festival brings the historic center to life for about ten days, traditionally between late September and early October, culminating on October 2nd, the liturgical feast day of the Holy Guardian Angels.

Between devotion and tradition

The religious heart of the festival is marked by moments deeply felt by the local population. It all begins with the triduum: on the first day, the statue of the Saint is moved from its niche and placed on the high altar. The eve is marked by a moving procession featuring children dressed as little angels, who accompany the statue to the Paleochristian Basilica of Santa Foca for a solemn Eucharistic celebration. The patron saint's day is the most anticipated: the 'sciuta', the triumphant exit of the statue, is accompanied by fireworks and a shower of colorful paper, followed by daytime and evening processions, the latter concluding late at night with a grand pyrotechnic show.

Major concerts and secular events

Alongside the religious dimension, the Municipality of Priolo Gargallo organizes a packed secular program every year that draws thousands of people: concerts by national artists, dance shows, sports competitions (such as the historic cycling race and the Angelo Custode Trophy running race), ballroom dancing evenings, song festivals, and family-friendly events. The concerts are primarily held in Piazza dell'Autonomia Comunale, the true hub of the festivities, with free admission.

When it takes place

The 2026 edition is scheduled from September 28th to October 2nd, 2026, with festivities traditionally extending into the following days. Details of the secular program (the names of artists and shows) are generally announced by the Municipality in the weeks leading up to the event.

An appointment for the whole community

The Guardian Angel Festival is much more than a religious celebration: it is the moment when Priolo Gargallo rediscovers its identity through faith, music, and conviviality. The evenings attract residents and visitors from across the province of Syracuse, transforming the squares into a grand celebration space for all ages.