Saint Anthony Abbot Festival

The Pedara festival dedicated to the saint of fire

The Saint Anthony Abbot Festival is the second most important religious celebration in Pedara, a municipality in the Etna area in the province of Catania, following the one dedicated to the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Devotion to the saint dates back to the 14th century and is deeply linked to the town's farming identity: Saint Anthony Abbot is, in fact, venerated as the protector of farmers, animals, and humble people. His image is kept in the church of the same name, built in 1680 and rebuilt after the 1693 earthquake, which houses a valuable 17th-century wooden statue.

The rites of January 17th

The liturgical heart of the festival falls on January 17th, the saint's feast day. On the eve, the 16th, the famous "focu di Sant'Antoni" is lit—a large bonfire with a red glow that accompanies the unveiling of the statue, as the saint has always been associated with the symbol of fire. On the day of the festival, solemn masses are celebrated, and the "cucciddati di Sant'Antoni", the traditional circular blessed breads, are distributed to the faithful.

The external festivities in May

Since 2016, the grand external festivities have taken place on the last weekend of May, spread over three intense days:

• Friday: "Antoniana Day," featuring the twinning between Antonian communities and the unveiling of the statue;
• Saturday: The floral tribute by the Catania Fire Brigade and the departure of the processional float through the town streets;
• Sunday: The morning and evening processions, with the solemn blessing of animals, the auction of gifts offered to the saint, the blessing of vehicles, and the final fireworks display.

Popular traditions and blessings

Among the most characteristic moments is the blessing of animals and vehicles: alongside domestic and working animals, trucks, ambulances, buses, cars, and scooters parade by to receive the sprinkling of holy water. The processions are accompanied by a brass band, colorful confetti, and fireworks, while the auction of gifts renews an ancient custom of popular devotion.

An intangible heritage of Sicily

The Saint Anthony Abbot Festival in Pedara is inscribed in the Register of Intangible Heritage of the Sicilian Region, a recognition that protects its identity and ritual value. It is an event that weaves together faith, farming memory, and community celebration, capable of attracting devotees and curious visitors even from neighboring towns on Mount Etna.