Saint Anthony Abbot Festival

The 2025 edition of the Saint Anthony Abbot Festival confirmed the vitality of a centuries-old tradition in the village of Novara di Sicilia, in the province of Messina. As every year, the festivities took place around January 17, with the settena of preparation, the recitation of ancient hymns accompanied by the bellows organ, and the rites of the eve.

The most characteristic and awaited moments by the community were not lacking: the blessing of the fire at the foot of the bell tower, the devotional journey of "u viaggiu", the parade of horses, the blessing of the animals, and the solemn procession of the saint through the village streets. A festival that every year attracts the faithful and visitors interested in the rich intangible heritage of inland Sicily.