Jesus Nazarene Festival
The tallest Triumphal Chariot in Sicily, pulled by the faithful through the streets of San Giovanni Gemini
About Jesus Nazarene Festival
A devotion spanning centuries
The Jesus Nazarene Festival is the beating heart of the identity of San Giovanni Gemini, a small town in the province of Agrigento nestled in the Sicilian hinterland at the foot of the Sicani Mountains. The origins of the celebration date back to 1677, when—according to local tradition—some farmers discovered a dark-colored wooden statue of Jesus Nazarene in the Puzzillo district, commissioned in 1649 by the town's first archpriest. The sacred image, now kept in the Mother Church, is accompanied by statues of Saint John the Evangelist, Mary Magdalene, and Our Lady of Sorrows.
The Triumphal Chariot, the tallest in Sicily
The element that makes this festival unique is the Triumphal Chariot, an extraordinary 21-meter-high wooden tower, the tallest in Sicily, built with overlapping rectangular sections that narrow towards the top. Dating back to the second half of the 19th century, it is prepared and decorated throughout the month of May with velvets, papier-mâché angels, and colorful flags. The most thrilling moment occurs when the chariot is pulled along Corso Francesco Crispi using an 80-meter main rope, moved by the strength of hundreds of faithful to the rhythmic beat of brass bands.
Scinnuta and acchianata: the rites of the chariot
The festival is marked by rites with an archaic charm, many of which retain their local dialect names: the mmurditura (binding the chariot beams with ropes), the vistuta di li vua (decorating the oxen with velvets and garlands), and the traditional maschiata firework display. The two climactic moments are the scinnuta (the descent of the chariot on Saturday evening) and the acchianata (the ascent back to the sanctuary on Sunday evening), followed by thousands of people amidst prayers, songs, and fireworks. These are joined by the solemn procession of the Crown and Votive Candles, the coronation of the statue, and the nocturnal pilgrimage to the well of Jesus Nazarene.
A diocesan sanctuary
The bond between the town and its festival has recently been further strengthened: the Mother Church of San Giovanni Gemini has been elevated to the Diocesan Sanctuary of Jesus Nazarene, a recognition that testifies to the deep devotion that has united the entire community and the many pilgrims who reach this corner of the Agrigento province every June for nearly three and a half centuries.
Jesus Nazarene Festival — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Jesus Nazarene Festival in San Giovanni Gemini, in the province of Agrigento, opened on Sunday, June 7, with the Solemnity of Corpus Christi and concluded on Monday, June 15, with thanksgiving rites. The central days featured the nocturnal pilgrimage to the well of Jesus Nazarene, the official presentation of the Triumphal Chariot, the 'scinnuta' on Saturday, and the highly anticipated 'acchianata' on Sunday evening along Corso Francesco Crispi. The spiritual guidance of the festivities was entrusted to the archpriest Father Gianluca Arcuri.
Programme Jesus Nazarene Festival 2026
Sunday, June 7 — Corpus Christi
- 08:00 — Positioning of the Triumphal Chariot wheels
- 19:00 — Solemn Eucharistic Celebration
- 20:00 — Corpus Christi Procession
Monday, June 8 — Children, youth, and expectant mothers
- 18:30 — Holy Rosary
- 19:00 — Holy Mass with special blessing
Tuesday, June 9 — The sick and elderly
- 18:30 — Holy Rosary
- 19:00 — Holy Mass and Anointing of the Sick
Wednesday, June 10
- 17:30 — Rite of the nsavucatura di i cordi at the Chariot
- 19:00 — Holy Mass and oath of the novices
Wednesday, June 10 — Thursday, June 11 — Nocturnal pilgrimage
- 03:00 — Gathering at the Santa Maria di Gesù church, Cammarata
- 04:00 — Blessing of the fire at the "Quattro Canti"
- 21:30 — Official presentation of the Triumphal Chariot
Friday, June 12
- 07:30 — mmurditura of the Chariot axles
- 17:00 — Entrance of the "G. Puccini" band
- 20:00 — Procession of the Crown and the Holy Cross
- 21:30 — Solemn Vespers and Coronation of the statue
Saturday, June 13
- 07:30 — mmurditura of the tiller
- 12:00 — Traditional maschiata
- 17:00 — Entrance of the "V. Bellini" band of Cammarata
- 18:30 — Blessing and vistuta di li vua
- 20:30 — Scinnuta (descent) of the Triumphal Chariot
Sunday, June 14 — Culmination of the festival
- 06:00 — Ringing of bells and cannon fire
- 06:30 — Dawn Holy Mass
- 07:30 — Solemn Procession of the Crown and Votive Candles
- 12:00 — Coronation of the statue and Concelebrated Eucharistic Mass
- 20:30 — Acchianata of the Triumphal Chariot (highlight)
- 00:30 — Fireworks display on Via Nicolò Carta
Monday, June 15 — Thanksgiving
- 12:00 — Recitation of the Supplication
- 19:00 — Thanksgiving Holy Mass
- 20:00 — Procession of the Crown and the Holy Cross
- 21:30 — Screening of the documentary "E gridammu tutti"
Highlights Jesus Nazarene Festival 2026
Prices Jesus Nazarene Festival 2026
Practical information — Jesus Nazarene Festival
How to get there
San Giovanni Gemini is located in the hinterland of the province of Agrigento, bordering the nearby town of Cammarata. By car, it can be reached via the SS189 (Palermo-Agrigento) road, taking the exit towards Casteltermini-Cammarata. The nearest train station is Acquaviva Platani-Casteltermini-Campofranco.
When
The festival takes place during the second week of June, with the chariot rites (scinnuta and acchianata) concentrated on the final weekend.
Tips
The moments when the chariot is pulled along Corso Francesco Crispi attract large crowds: it is advisable to arrive early to find a good spot. Participation is free.
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Where does it take place — Jesus Nazarene Festival
Centro storico di San Giovanni Gemini
Corso Francesco Crispi, 92020 San Giovanni Gemini