Patronal Feast of San Benedetto il Moro

The patronal feast of Acquedolci

The Patronal Feast of San Benedetto il Moro is the most anticipated event of the year for Acquedolci, a town on the Tyrrhenian side of the Nebrodi mountains in the province of Messina, Sicily. Every year, on the first Sunday of August, the entire town gathers around its patron saint, the 16th-century Franciscan friar revered worldwide as a protector.

An ancient bond with the territory

San Benedetto il Moro, also known as the "Black Saint," was born in nearby San Fratello, in the Nebrodi highlands, to parents of African descent. His devotion still unites three local communities today: San Fratello, his birthplace; Acquedolci, home to the only parish in Italy dedicated to him; and Palermo, where the Saint died and where his sanctuary is located. In Acquedolci, the figure of the patron saint is so deeply rooted that he gives his name to the Mother Church, the heart of the celebrations.

How the festival unfolds

The festivities begin with a three-day religious preparation in the Mother Church, leading the community toward the main event. On the eve of the feast, the Urban Trail del Moro takes place—a fun run through the town streets that blends sport, devotion, and community spirit. On the day of the feast, following the solemn Holy Mass at dusk, the statue of San Benedetto il Moro is carried in procession through the seaside town center, accompanied by a brass band.

Devotion and popular tradition

Religious services, hymns, illuminations, market stalls, musical performances, and fireworks provide the backdrop for the Saint's feast. In recent years, the celebration has been enriched by memorable milestones: in 2024, the town celebrated the 500th anniversary of the patron's birth, while since August 4, 2025, two significant relics of the Saint, donated by the Friars Minor of Sicily, have been kept in the town and displayed for veneration every month.

When to visit

The festival takes place on the first Sunday of August, in the height of summer, making it the perfect opportunity to discover Acquedolci, its beaches, and the Nebrodi hinterland, combining Sicilian religious tradition with a seaside holiday. The dates for the 2026 edition have not yet been officially announced.