Saint Anthony of Padua Festival in Pizzuta
The patronal feast of the Pizzuta district in Syracuse, blending faith, tradition, and Sicilian flavors
About Saint Anthony in Pizzuta
A neighborhood festival in the heart of Syracuse
The Saint Anthony of Padua Festival in Pizzuta is the most anticipated event of the year for the eponymous district of Syracuse, in the heart of the Syracuse province, Sicily. Promoted by the Saint Anthony of Padua Parish community, the festival combines the religious devotion to the Saint of Miracles with a convivial, popular spirit, transforming the neighborhood streets into a journey of faith, music, and local flavors. Every year, the celebration attracts not only the residents of Pizzuta but also worshippers and curious visitors from other city districts and the entire province.
Devotion to Saint Anthony
Saint Anthony of Padua, one of the most beloved saints in Sicilian popular tradition, is celebrated on June 13th. In Syracuse, the festivities begin with the vigil, marked by the solemn procession of the Saint's relic presided over by the Archbishop of Syracuse, Monsignor Francesco Lomanto, accompanied by the City of Syracuse Brass Band. On the day of the liturgical feast, after the morning masses featuring the blessing and distribution of the traditional votive bread, the statue of the Saint is carried in procession through the streets of the district, including a poignant stop in front of the Police Headquarters for the blessing of the State Police.
Music, food festivals, and entertainment
Alongside the liturgical events, the program reserves ample space for public festivities. The vigil features a concert by the Xiridia Wind Band, while the evening of the feast comes alive with folk group performances and traditional Sicilian songs. The absolute star is the local cuisine, with the Cavateddi Festival and chickpea soup served at the parish square stands, alongside stalls selling sweets and local products. To conclude the festivities, a grand fireworks display lights up the sky over Pizzuta.
A community identity
- Where: Pizzuta district, Municipality of Syracuse (Province of Syracuse, Sicily)
- When: Mid-June, around the June 13th anniversary
- What: Processions, brass and folk concerts, food festivals, fireworks
- Organizer: Saint Anthony of Padua Parish in Pizzuta
Between incense and fireworks, prayers and steaming cavateddi, the Saint Anthony Festival in Pizzuta reveals the most authentic soul of the Syracuse neighborhood: a community that gathers, year after year, around its patron saint.
Saint Anthony in Pizzuta — edition 2026
2026 Edition
The Saint Anthony of Padua Festival in Pizzuta, in Syracuse, was held on Friday, June 12th, and Saturday, June 13th, 2026. The vigil of June 12th opened with the solemn procession of the Saint's relic, presided over by Archbishop Monsignor Francesco Lomanto and accompanied by the City of Syracuse Brass Band, followed by the Eucharistic celebration and, in the evening, the Xiridia Wind Band concert. On Saturday the 13th, the day of the liturgical feast, morning masses were accompanied by the blessing and distribution of votive bread. In the afternoon, the statue was carried in procession through the district streets, with a stop at the Police Headquarters for the State Police blessing. The evening concluded with folk songs by the Cantunovu group, the Cavateddi Festival, chickpea soup, and fireworks.
Programme Saint Anthony in Pizzuta 2026
Friday, June 12 (Vigil)
- 18:15 - Solemn procession with the relic of Saint Anthony, presided over by Archbishop Monsignor Francesco Lomanto, with the City of Syracuse Brass Band
- 18:30 - Eucharistic celebration
- 20:30 - "Timeless Emotions" concert by the Xiridia Wind Band
- Savory food festival and gastronomic stands in the parish square
Saturday, June 13 (Liturgical Feast)
- 08:00 - Opening of the feast with bells and firecrackers
- 09:30 and 11:00 - Holy masses with blessing and distribution of votive bread
- 18:30 - Eucharistic celebration
- 19:30 - Solemn procession of the statue through the district streets, with a stop at the Police Headquarters
- 21:00 - Folk show "Sicily Songs of the Earth" by the Cantunovu group; Cavateddi Festival and chickpea soup
- 23:00 - Fireworks
Highlights Saint Anthony in Pizzuta 2026
- Procession of the relic presided over by the Archbishop of Syracuse
- Procession of the statue with a stop at the Police Headquarters
- Concert by the Xiridia Wind Band
- Cavateddi Festival and chickpea soup
- Final fireworks display
Prices Saint Anthony in Pizzuta 2026
Practical information — Saint Anthony in Pizzuta
How to get there
The Pizzuta district is located in the northern area of Syracuse. By car, it can be reached from the A18/E45 motorway (Syracuse exit) by following signs for the city center. By train, the Syracuse station is connected to the main Sicilian lines; from the station, the district can be reached by city bus or taxi. The nearest airport is Catania-Fontanarossa (approx. 60 km).
Admission and tips
Access to the festival events is free and open to all. We recommend following the procession route through the neighborhood streets and heading to the parish square in the evening for the food festivals and fireworks. For information: Saint Anthony of Padua Parish, Via Antonino Lo Surdo 13, tel. +39 0931 492822.
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Where does it take place — Saint Anthony in Pizzuta
Parrocchia Sant'Antonio di Padova alla Pizzuta
Via Antonino Lo Surdo 13, 96100 Siracusa