Patronal Feast of Saint Bartholomew the Apostle

The Patronal Feast of Ustica

In the heart of summer, the island of Ustica—the only island municipality in the Metropolitan City of Palermo, Sicily—comes to a standstill to celebrate its patron saint, Saint Bartholomew the Apostle. The feast, held on August 24th, is the most significant gathering for the people of Ustica: residents, returning emigrants, and visitors all meet along the narrow streets of the historic center and around Cala Santa Maria to renew a ritual that has been repeated for over two and a half centuries.

A Tradition Born in 1763

The origins of the festival date back to 1763, shortly after the arrival of the first settlers from Lipari. It was these Aeolian families who brought their devotion to Saint Bartholomew, already the patron of the Aeolian Islands, choosing him as the protector of the new Ustica community. Since then, the bond between the island and its saint has never been broken, and the festival has become a defining element of Ustica's cultural and religious heritage.

The Novena and the Procession

Religious celebrations begin with the novena, which prepares the community in the days leading up to the feast. The heart of August 24th is the solemn procession: after Holy Mass, the statue of Saint Bartholomew is carried on the shoulders of the faithful through the village streets and along the coast near the port, with stops, songs, and evocative choreographic runs. In the morning, ten cannon shots announce the start of the festivities.

The Boat Race and Fireworks over the Sea

Alongside its sacred dimension, the festival retains a strong popular and maritime character. Among the most anticipated events is the traditional boat race, an expression of the sea-faring culture that defines the island. The day continues with musical performances until midnight, when the crowd heads down to the Cala to witness the spectacular fireworks display over the sea, one of the most scenic moments of the entire Ustica summer.

The Flavors of Ustica

The festival is also an opportunity to discover the island's typical products, particularly the famous Ustica Lentil (a Slow Food Presidium) and the prized Ustica Eggplant, which take center stage in tastings and local specialties. It is an experience that combines devotion, maritime tradition, and gastronomy in one of the most evocative natural settings in the Mediterranean, located within Italy's first Marine Protected Area.