Saint Joseph Festival
The devotional March festival in Aci Castello, featuring a procession, zeppola festival, and pasta with chickpeas
About Saint Joseph Aci Castello
A devotional festival in the seaside village of Aci Castello
On the lava cliffs of the Cyclops Riviera, dominated by the famous Norman Castle, the town of Aci Castello (Metropolitan City of Catania, Sicily) celebrates the Saint Joseph Festival every spring. It is one of the most deeply rooted religious events in the village, bringing the entire community together around the church dedicated to the Saint and the parish of San Mauro Abate.
The statue and the procession
The highlight is the solemn procession of the statue of Saint Joseph, a venerated 18th-century papier-mâché figure. The float is led through the narrow streets of the town on a wheeled structure and, in the most significant sections, carried on the shoulders of the faithful in an atmosphere of intense popular participation. Devotion to Saint Joseph is deeply felt throughout Sicily, where the Saint is celebrated on March 19th with altars, banquets, and votive bread; in Aci Castello, the tradition is expressed through this procession that winds through the town center.
Pasta with chickpeas, zeppole, and the fair
Alongside the religious dimension, the festival preserves its gastronomic and folk roots. Among the most anticipated events are the traditional tasting of pasta with chickpeas, a votive dish linked to Saint Joseph's celebrations throughout the island, and the zeppola festival, the typical fried pastry of the season. The Saint Joseph Fair also takes place along Via Savoia, featuring craft stalls and traditional items, while the parish oratory hosts entertainment and community initiatives.
The Church of Saint Joseph
The Church of Saint Joseph, built in Aci Castello around the mid-18th century, is the hub of the festivities. Following a major restoration, the place of worship and the adjoining oratory were returned to the community in the spring of 2025, once again becoming the reference point for the village's parish and youth activities, led by the parish priest Father Sebastiano Raciti.
When it takes place
The festivities are concentrated in the second half of March, around the liturgical feast day of March 19th, with Eucharistic celebrations, the procession, tastings, and the fair. The festival is a precious opportunity to discover Aci Castello outside the beach season, immersing yourself in the authentic traditions of a town overlooking the Ionian Sea.
Saint Joseph Aci Castello — edition 2026
The 2026 edition
The 2026 Saint Joseph Festival in Aci Castello took place in line with the village's devotional tradition. On Thursday, March 26, 2026, at 7:00 PM, the Eucharistic celebration presided over by the parish priest Father Sebastiano Raciti in the Church of Saint Joseph represented the most solemn moment. During the evening, the awards ceremony for a dedicated competition and the drawing of winning tickets took place, with the singing of the Hymn to conclude the festivities.
As per tradition, the festivities featured the solemn procession of the 18th-century statue of Saint Joseph through the streets of Aci Castello, the tasting of pasta with chickpeas, and the zeppola festival, along with the craft fair along Via Savoia.
Programme Saint Joseph Aci Castello 2026
Thursday, March 26, 2026
- 7:00 PM — Eucharistic celebration in the Church of Saint Joseph, presided over by the parish priest Father Sebastiano Raciti
- Following — Awards ceremony for the dedicated competition with the participation of students from the local Comprehensive Institute
- Following — Drawing of winning tickets, singing of the Hymn, and conclusion of the festival
During the festival period: solemn procession of the statue of Saint Joseph through the village streets, traditional tasting of pasta with chickpeas, zeppola festival, and Saint Joseph Fair along Via Savoia.
Highlights Saint Joseph Aci Castello 2026
Prices Saint Joseph Aci Castello 2026
Practical information — Saint Joseph Aci Castello
How to get there
Aci Castello is located a few kilometers north of Catania, along the SS114 road. By car, it is easily reached from the A18 Catania-Messina motorway (Acireale exit or Catania ring road). It is connected to Catania by urban and suburban bus lines.
Where it takes place
The heart of the festival is the Church of Saint Joseph and the streets of the historic center of Aci Castello, with the fair located along Via Savoia.
Costs
Participation in religious celebrations and the procession is free. Tastings of pasta with chickpeas and zeppole generally involve a donation to support parish activities.
Tips
March is an ideal time to visit the Norman Castle and nearby Aci Trezza with the Cyclops Faraglioni. It is recommended to check the updated program on the parish's channels.
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Where does it take place — Saint Joseph Aci Castello
Chiesa di San Giuseppe
Via Savoia, 95021 Aci Castello