Holy Family Festival
The religious and popular festival of the Sacra Famiglia district in Canicattì
About Holy Family Festival
The Sacra Famiglia district festival in Canicattì
The Holy Family Festival is one of the most cherished traditions in Canicattì, a bustling town in the province of Agrigento, in the heart of south-central Sicily. Promoted by the Sacra Famiglia Parish, led by Father Bonaventura Iheanacho, and the Festivities Committee, the festival takes place in July in the district of the same name, along the Via Don Luigi Sturzo area, blending spiritual devotion with popular, convivial festivities over six days.
An intense religious program
The heart of the event is devotional. Each day is marked by holy masses in the morning and evening, preceded by the Holy Rosary. Several celebrations focus on the family: the blessing of engaged couples and those about to be married, prayers for the gift of motherhood, and the blessing of families. There is also a moment of Eucharistic Adoration in the parish square. The spiritual highlight is the solemn celebration presided over by the Archbishop and the procession with the statue of the Holy Family through the streets of the district.
Shows, food festivals, and tradition
Alongside the liturgical appointments, the recreational program offers entertainment for all ages. It ranges from traditional village games (tug-of-war, sack races, piñata, flag-stealing) hosted by the parish youth, to evening shows like the Corrida, a talent show featuring singing, music, and cabaret. Sicilian tradition takes center stage with La Rietina, a parade of traditional Sicilian carts accompanied by folk groups from the Agrigento area, and the Ancient Flavors Food Festival, dedicated to local cuisine. The town band, concerts, and the final fireworks display complete a festival that is both a rite of faith and a moment of community.
A community celebration in the heart of Sicily
The Holy Family Festival represents a key identity event for the residents of this Canicattì district: an occasion where different generations meet in the squares, amidst music, gastronomy, and devotion. It is a living example of how, in the towns of Sicily, religious festivals remain a powerful social glue, capable of transforming streets into meeting places for residents and visitors alike.
Holy Family Festival — edition 2026
2026 Program day by day
The festival opens on Monday, July 6th with morning and evening masses and, at 8:00 PM, traditional village games in the square (tug-of-war, sack races, piñata, flag-stealing) animated by the parish youth and Donatella Animazione, with Disney Cosplay.
Tuesday, July 7th: mass with the blessing of engaged couples and those about to be married; at 9:00 PM the first edition of the Corrida, a talent show hosted by Salvin Benenati.
Wednesday, July 8th: at 8:30 PM, Eucharistic Adoration with a prayer of consolation led by Father Bonaventura in the parish square.
Thursday, July 9th: mass with prayers for the gift of motherhood; at 7:45 PM, a parade by the Bersaglieri Fanfare of Caltanissetta and, at 9:30 PM, the Ancient Flavors Food Festival with chef Pietro La Torre, Baby Dance, and special guest Samuel Pietrasanta (The Voice of Italy 2016).
Friday, July 10th: mass with the blessing of families; at 7:45 PM, the 2nd edition of La Rietina with Sicilian carts and the Folk Group "I Fiori del Mandorlo" from Agrigento, followed at 9:30 PM by the Teppisti dei Sogni Explosion Live Tour 2026 concert on Via Don Luigi Sturzo.
Saturday, July 11th (main day): at 8:00 AM, morning wake-up call and bell ringing; at 6:00 PM, the "Francesco Malluzzo" Town Band of Canicattì; at 7:30 PM, the solemn celebration presided over by Archbishop Mons. Alessandro Damiano; at 8:30 PM, the procession with the statue of the Holy Family; closing with the fireworks display by the "DUE G" company from Gela, and the distribution of a giant cake and Sicilian cannoli.
Programme Holy Family Festival 2026
- Mon 6/7: Holy Masses and Rosary; 8:00 PM village games and Disney Cosplay
- Tue 7/7: Mass with blessing of engaged couples; 9:00 PM Corrida (hosted by Salvin Benenati)
- Wed 8/7: 8:30 PM Eucharistic Adoration
- Thu 9/7: 7:45 PM Bersaglieri Fanfare of Caltanissetta; 9:30 PM Ancient Flavors Food Festival with chef Pietro La Torre and Samuel Pietrasanta
- Fri 10/7: 7:45 PM La Rietina (Sicilian carts, "I Fiori del Mandorlo" Group); 9:30 PM Teppisti dei Sogni concert
- Sat 11/7: 8:00 AM wake-up call; 6:00 PM "Francesco Malluzzo" Band; 7:30 PM mass with Archbishop Damiano; 8:30 PM procession; fireworks display
Highlights Holy Family Festival 2026
Prices Holy Family Festival 2026
Practical information — Holy Family Festival
Where
Sacra Famiglia district, Via Don Luigi Sturzo area, in Canicattì (AG), Sicily. The reference point is the Sacra Famiglia Parish, where celebrations and events are concentrated.
How to get there
By car: Canicattì can be reached via the SS640 (Agrigento–Caltanissetta). By train: the Canicattì station is served by regional connections on the lines to Agrigento, Caltanissetta, and Catania. The nearest airports are Comiso and Catania-Fontanarossa.
Admission and info
All festival events are free to attend. For the updated program, please refer to the Sacra Famiglia Parish and the Festivities Committee's channels.
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Where does it take place — Holy Family Festival
Parrocchia Sacra Famiglia
Via Don Luigi Sturzo, 92024 Canicattì