Saint Anne Festival
The patronal feast of Altofonte featuring processions, music, and tradition
Edition 2026 not confirmed to date
This edition has not been confirmed by the organiser to date. We recommend checking before going.
About Saint Anne Altofonte
The patronal feast of Altofonte
The Saint Anne Festival is the most anticipated summer event in Altofonte, a town of just over ten thousand inhabitants nestled on the slopes of Mount Moarda, in the hinterland of the Metropolitan City of Palermo. Known as the "city of water and oil" for its numerous springs and high-quality olive oil production, Altofonte celebrates its patron saint with a festival that combines religious observance with a rich program of popular entertainment.
Saint Anne, patron saint of the town
Saint Anne, mother of the Virgin Mary, is venerated in Altofonte as the protector of the community and is celebrated on July 26th. Her devotion is rooted in the history of the village, which grew around the Cistercian abbey of Santa Maria d'Altofonte, commissioned during the Norman era. The most poignant moment is the traditional procession of the statue of Saint Anne, which winds through the town streets accompanied by the faithful, a marching band, and large crowds.
A calendar between the sacred and the profane
Alongside the religious rites, the Festival Committee—presided over for several editions by Claudia Ciulla in collaboration with the municipal administration—curates a varied program that enlivens the central Piazza Falcone e Borsellino. Summer evenings feature:
- concerts and musical nights with bands and tributes to pop and dance traditions;
- DJ sets and open-air dance parties;
- dance performances by local schools and associations;
- sports tournaments (beach soccer, five-a-side football, padel) at the municipal sports area;
- entertainment for children, games, and activities organized by local parishes and associations;
- the characteristic vintage car rally that concludes the festivities.
Why it is worth attending
The Saint Anne Festival is the best opportunity to discover Altofonte and its identity: a welcoming community, historic fountains, the Mother Church dedicated to Santa Maria d'Altofonte, and a cuisine fragrant with extra virgin olive oil, cannoli, and Sicilian cassata. For those visiting the province of Palermo in late July, it is an authentic taste of a Sicilian village festival, where faith coexists with the joy of being together.
Saint Anne Altofonte — edition 2026
At the moment, the detailed program for the 2026 edition of the Saint Anne Festival in Altofonte has not yet been published. The dates indicated are indicative and based on the custom of recent editions, which place the festivities in the last week of July around the patron saint's day, July 26th.
Following in the footsteps of previous editions, it is reasonable to expect the traditional procession of the statue of Saint Anne, musical evenings and DJ sets in Piazza Falcone e Borsellino, dance performances, sports tournaments, and the usual vintage car rally. The official calendar, with dates, times, and guests, will be announced by the Festival Committee and the municipal administration: this page will be updated as soon as information becomes available.
Practical information — Saint Anne Altofonte
How to get there
Altofonte is located about 15 km south of Palermo. By car, it can be reached via the A29 motorway (exit towards Altofonte) or the SS624 Palermo-Sciacca road. By train or bus, you can arrive in Palermo and continue with suburban connections to Altofonte.
Where it takes place
The hub of the festivities is Piazza Falcone e Borsellino and the streets of the town center, which are traversed by the procession on July 26th.
Costs
Events in the square are generally free to attend. Registration may be required for sports tournaments and some specific activities: it is advisable to check the official channels of the Festival Committee and the Municipality of Altofonte.
Tips
Sicilian summer evenings are warm: bring water and light clothing. Take advantage of the festival to taste local products, starting with extra virgin olive oil.
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Where does it take place — Saint Anne Altofonte
Piazza Falcone e Borsellino