Saint George Festival
The patronal feast of Ragusa Ibla, featuring solemn processions, the 'Ballata del Santo', and fireworks in the Iblean Gardens
About Saint George Ragusa
The patronal feast of Ragusa Ibla
The Saint George Festival is the most heartfelt annual event for the city of Ragusa, located in the heart of south-eastern Sicily. It takes place in the Baroque district of Ragusa Ibla, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and centers around the stunning Duomo di San Giorgio, a masterpiece of late Sicilian Baroque. For three days, between the last Sunday of May and early June, the streets and squares of Ibla fill with worshippers, music, processions, and performances that blend the sacred and the profane into one grand popular celebration.
An ancient devotion
Saint George was proclaimed the principal patron of Ragusa in 1643, ending a long-standing rivalry between the devotees of Saint John the Baptist in Ragusa Superiore and those of Saint George in Ragusa Ibla. Since then, the figure of the knight saint has become a symbol of the Iblean community's identity. The statue of the Saint, kept in the transept of the Duomo, and the Holy Ark containing his relics are the absolute protagonists of the festivities.
Processions and the 'Ballata del Santo'
The celebrations are divided into several processions. On Friday, the statue of Saint George and the Holy Ark leave the Duomo to reach the Purgatorio church near Piazza Repubblica, and then the church of San Tommaso near the Iblean Gardens. On Saturday, the processions repeat in reverse. Sunday is the main day: the most emotional moment is the Ballata del Santo, when the bearers dance the statue with arms outstretched, shouting "tutti Truonu!" to proclaim him the city's patron.
Performances and tradition
Alongside the religious rites, the festival offers a rich secular program: performances by the "San Giorgio - Città di Ragusa" band through the historic center, fireworks at the Iblean Gardens, and a grand finale in Piazza Duomo with immersive videomapping and a pyromusical show. It is a unique opportunity to discover Ragusa Ibla, its alleys, staircases, and Baroque monuments wrapped in the festive atmosphere.
- Where: Ragusa Ibla, around the Duomo di San Giorgio
- When: Last Sunday of May or early June, for three days
- Highlight: The 'Ballata del Santo' and the solemn Sunday evening procession
- Admission: Free
Saint George Ragusa — edition 2026
The 2026 Saint George Festival was celebrated in Ragusa Ibla from May 29 to 31, confirming its central role in the city's life. Friday and Saturday featured the traditional processions of the statue and the Holy Ark between the Duomo, the Purgatorio church, and the church of San Tommaso, while Sunday represented the culmination of the festivities.
Sunday, May 31, came to life with great popular participation. In the evening, the solemn procession crossed the main streets of Ibla, accompanied by the evocative 'Ballata del Santo'. To close the festival, the fireworks display at the Iblean Gardens and the immersive videomapping with a pyromusical show in Piazza Duomo.
Programme Saint George Ragusa 2026
Sunday, May 31, 2026 (Main day)
- 08:00 - Bells ringing and blank shots, opening of the festive day
- 10:30 - Performance by the "San Giorgio - Città di Ragusa" band through the historic center and Eucharistic celebration
- 17:00 - Performance by local bands
- 17:15 - Holy Rosary
- 17:30 - Parade of musicians and flag-wavers
- 18:00 - Solemn Pontifical Mass presided over by H.E. Rev. Msgr. Giuseppe La Placa
- 19:30 - Solemn procession with the statue of Saint George and the Holy Ark through Piazza Duomo, Corso XXV Aprile, Via Capitano Bocchieri, and Piazza Repubblica, with the famous 'Ballata del Santo'
- 20:30 - Fireworks display at the Iblean Gardens
- 23:00 - Grand finale in Piazza Duomo with immersive videomapping and pyromusical show
Friday, May 29 and Saturday, May 30
Processions of the statue and the Holy Ark between the Duomo di San Giorgio, the Purgatorio church (near Piazza Repubblica), and the church of San Tommaso (near the Iblean Gardens). On Saturday, the processions repeat the Friday route in reverse.
Highlights Saint George Ragusa 2026
Prices Saint George Ragusa 2026
Practical information — Saint George Ragusa
Getting there
Ragusa Ibla is located in the lower, ancient part of Ragusa. By car, it is reached via the SS115; the district is largely pedestrianized, so it is best to park in the upper part of the city and walk down the staircases or take the local bus. The Ragusa train station is connected to Syracuse and Gela. The nearest airport is Comiso (CIY), about 20 km away.
Admission and tips
All festival events are free and held outdoors. During the procession and evening shows, the historic center becomes very crowded: comfortable shoes are recommended for the alleys and staircases of Ibla. To watch the fireworks and videomapping, it is advisable to arrive early near the Iblean Gardens and Piazza Duomo.
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Where does it take place — Saint George Ragusa
Duomo di San Giorgio, Ragusa Ibla
Piazza Duomo, 97100 Ragusa