Saint James Festival and Sausage Festival

An ancient festival in the heart of the Madonie

Nestled on the slopes of Monte d'Oro, within the Metropolitan City of Palermo and the Madonie Park, Collesano preserves one of the most deep-rooted religious traditions in the region. The Saint James Festival traces its origins back to the 16th century: as early as 1530, a grand religious feast was held in the village in honor of Saint James the Apostle, accompanied by a procession, a horse race, and a large fair that attracted people from neighboring towns.

The cult of Saint James

The heart of this devotion is the Church of Saint James, overlooking the modern-day Piazza Garibaldi. Built around the 15th century and renovated over the centuries, it features a fine Gothic-Catalan portal and houses a wooden statue of Saint James the Apostle, a work by the sculptor Giovanni Paolo Lo Duca dating back to the early 17th century, along with a 16th-century Crucifix and ancient bells. It is in this historic site that the memory of the saint is still honored today with a solemn Eucharistic celebration.

The Sausage Festival

The religious dimension has always been complemented by a convivial and popular side. At the end of the celebrations in honor of Saint James, the community gathers for the traditional Sausage Festival: the absolute star is the grilled sausage, accompanied by vastedde fritte (fried dough) and fresh slices of anguria (watermelon), a symbol of the Sicilian summer. It is a moment of widespread celebration that brings the streets of the historic center to life, where the scent of the grill mingles with devotion and collective joy.

A village to discover

The festival is also an opportunity to visit Collesano, a village of Arab-Norman origins rich in churches, works of art, and medieval corners. Its location between the sea of Cefalù and the peaks of the Madonie makes it an ideal destination for those seeking, beyond the festival, the authentic Sicily of small inland towns, characterized by hospitality, genuine flavors, and traditions passed down from generation to generation.

When it takes place

The Saint James Festival is held in Collesano in July, near the saint's liturgical feast day (July 25th). For the 2026 edition, dates and the detailed program have not yet been officially announced: it is recommended to check for updates with the Municipality of Collesano and the local parish.