Patronal Feast of Maria SS. Annunziata

A local feast in the heart of the Nebrodi

The Patronal Feast of Maria SS. Annunziata is celebrated every year in July in the Contrada Annunziata of Sant'Angelo di Brolo, a village perched among the peaks of the Nebrodi mountains, in the province of Messina. It is one of those local festivals that mark the Sicilian summer: born from the devotion of a small rural community, it becomes the center of village life for a few days, drawing back emigrants and families from neighboring towns.

Devotion and the procession

The heart of the festival is religious. Celebrations open on Saturday with First Vespers and evening Mass; Sunday's schedule unfolds between liturgical celebrations and the most anticipated moment: the solemn procession of the Virgin's statue. According to a deeply felt tradition, the statue is accompanied by a child dressed in angel attire, an image that moves the faithful along the streets of the district. The blessing rite for pregnant women and new mothers is also particularly dear to the community, linking the Annunziata feast to the themes of motherhood and birth.

The pane cunzato festival and performances

Once the sacred rites conclude, the festival changes tone, shifting toward conviviality. It is traditional to celebrate with the pane cunzato festival, featuring bread seasoned with oil, tomatoes, cheese, anchovies, and oregano—one of the most genuine symbols of Sicilian peasant cuisine. Gastronomy is paired with folk, musical, and entertainment shows that animate the evening and extend the festivities late into the night in an atmosphere of popular joy.

Sant'Angelo di Brolo, a village in the Nebrodi

The Municipality of Sant'Angelo di Brolo is a small village nestled in the greenery of the Nebrodi, with a history dating back to the Norman age and an ancient Byzantine monastery dedicated to Saint Michael the Archangel. The area is famous for its cured meats made with ancient artisanal methods and for its hazelnuts, products that have brought prosperity to the local farming community. Visiting the village during a local feast like the Annunziata means connecting with the most authentic Sicily, defined by religious traditions, shared meals, and the hospitality of the Nebrodi.

Information and dates

The feast is traditionally held in mid-July: in 2025, it took place on July 12th and 13th. The dates for the 2026 edition have not yet been officially announced; it is recommended to follow the Municipality and the festival committee's channels for the updated program.