Patronal Feast of Saint Peter the Apostle

A festival in the heart of the Erei Mountains

The Patronal Feast of Saint Peter the Apostle is the most anticipated event of the summer in Calascibetta, a small village in the Erei Mountains in the province of Enna, in the geographical heart of Sicily. Perched on a rocky spur opposite nearby Enna, the town dedicates several days to its patron saint, blending faith, history, and popular celebration, involving the entire community and the many 'xibetani' who return to the village for the occasion.

When it takes place

The festival traditionally falls on the first Sunday of August and continues the following Monday, the highlight day for the procession. The festivities are preceded by the so-called Settimana Petrina, a week of spiritual preparation marked by masses, prayer, and the participation of local confraternities.

The religious aspect

The most solemn moment is the procession of the statue of Saint Peter, carried on the shoulders of devotees through the streets of the historic center amidst the crowd, sacred music, and marching bands. The Mother Church, dedicated to the patron saint, is the hub of liturgical celebrations. Calascibetta's devotional tradition is centuries old and maintains a deep bond with the village's Norman and Aragonese history.

The secular program

Alongside the religious functions, the festival offers a rich calendar of popular events that are highly cherished:

• Joust in honor of Saint Peter, a traditional game and moment of gathering for the town;
• Bande in Festa, the band gathering that fills the squares and streets of the center with music;
• Nougat Festival, now historic, dedicated to one of the most typical sweets of the Sicilian tradition;
• open-air concerts and musical performances, entertainment for all ages;
• the fireworks that light up the sky over the Erei Mountains and close the festivities.

A village to discover

Experiencing the Feast of Saint Peter is also an opportunity to discover Calascibetta, with its medieval center, alleys, churches, and panoramic views over the valley and Enna. Its location in the heart of Sicily makes the village an ideal stop for those traveling through the Enna hinterland, archaeological sites, and the island's hilly landscapes. Above all, the festival remains an authentic appointment, lived by the community with a sentiment that unites devotion, tradition, and the desire to be together.