Sacred Heart of Jesus Festival

A festival that moves all of south-eastern Sicily

The Sacred Heart of Jesus Festival is the most anticipated devotional event in Rosolini, a town in the province of Syracuse bordering the Ragusa area. Traditionally celebrated on the last Sunday of September, it attracts thousands of pilgrims every year, not only from neighboring towns but from various parts of Sicily, drawn by the fame of the Sanctuary and the deep devotion that surrounds it.

The Sanctuary and Mother Carmela Aprile

The heart of the festival is the Sanctuary of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, located on Via Sacro Cuore, which houses an image considered miraculous and, at its feet, the remains of the founder Mother Carmela Aprile. Born in Rosolini into a poor family and widowed at a very young age, Mother Carmela gave life to an intense spiritual and charitable work, from the famous "poor man's meal" to the Casa della Fanciulla. Since 1958, the cult has been guarded by the Visitation Nuns. It is this history of popular faith that explains why the festival is experienced with such participation by the Rosolini community.

The Flower Festival and the civic dimension

During the days of the festival, an artistic flower festival (infiorata) on current themes is set up along Via Immacolata, involving the entire citizenry. Alongside the liturgical moments, the program includes civic and folkloric events: the collection of votive offerings accompanied by the marching band and floats, the auction of gifts in the square, theatrical performances, and musical evenings, culminating in the grand fireworks display that closes the procession.

The procession, the culminating moment

The highlight of the festival is the evening procession on the final Sunday: the venerated statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is carried through the streets of the center of Rosolini — including Via Roma, Solferino, Carducci, Noto, Corso Savoia, and Piazza Garibaldi — accompanied by an immense crowd and greeted by fireworks. An experience that blends religiosity, civic identity, and Sicilian popular tradition.