Saint Joseph Festival

The 2025 edition of the Saint Joseph Festival in the San Giuseppe Centro district of Aci Catena was particularly heartfelt due to the return of the traditional rice tasting, announced with enthusiasm by the Santuario Matrice after a period of absence.

The festivities followed the usual devotional pattern: opening with bells and firecrackers, the triduum of traditional hymns, and the Incanto auction of gifts offered to the saint on the Sunday before the solemnity. On March 19th, the day of the Patriarch, the community gathered for morning Eucharistic celebrations, the parade of the "V. Bellini" town band, and, in the evening, the procession of the statue through the streets of the district, welcomed by fireworks, confetti, and colorful paper streamers. Local elementary school children also took part in the festival, offering flowers and prayers to Saint Joseph.

March 19, 2025 — Solemnity of Saint Joseph

• Morning — Eucharistic celebrations in the Church of San Giuseppe
• Afternoon — Parade of the "V. Bellini" town band
• Evening (around 8:00 PM) — Departure of the statue and procession through the streets of the San Giuseppe Centro district, amidst bells, fireworks, and confetti

Previous days

• March 1 — Opening of the festivities with bells and firecrackers
• March 15-17 — Triduum with traditional hymns
• Preceding Sunday — Incanto, traditional auction of gifts offered to the saint

Traditions

• Return of the traditional rice tasting