Saint Joseph Festival

A young yet deeply rooted festival

The Saint Joseph Festival in Porto Empedocle, in the heart of the Agrigento province, Sicily, is a relatively recent celebration that has already become an essential part of the city's life. Organized devotion took shape in 2009, thanks to the initiative of Father Giuseppe Gelo and a committee of volunteers formed around the San Giuseppe Lavoratore Parish. With limited resources but great enthusiasm, the organizers collected donations door-to-door in the neighborhood and, in December of that same year, purchased the statue of the Saint, which was carried in procession for the first time in 2010 on a vara (float) built by local carpenters.

The Holy Family pageant and the Flight into Egypt

The scenic heart of the festival is the Holy Family pageant, which stages the Flight into Egypt: costumed actors portraying Joseph, Mary, and the Child parade from the church to Piazza Mozart, accompanied by the participation of the entire neighborhood. It is a deeply evocative moment where the Gospel narrative intertwines with the popular traditions of Porto Empedocle.

The votive tables and the soup of solidarity

A distinctive feature of the devotion to Saint Joseph in Sicily is the votive tables, set up and lavishly decorated in honor of the Saint. In Porto Empedocle, this tradition is uniquely linked to charity: the faithful contribute the ingredients for the preparation of the typical Saint Joseph soup, which is distributed in the square as a gesture of solidarity towards those in need. Traditional sweets associated with the occasion, such as sfince and zeppole di San Giuseppe, are also a must.

The procession of the statue

The highlight is the solemn procession: the statue of Saint Joseph leaves the church, greeted by fireworks, and travels through the neighborhood streets accompanied by the marching band, amidst the emotion and participation of the faithful. Religious celebrations are completed with festivities in the square, music, and the children's tribute to the Patriarch.

A community festival

Organized by the San Giuseppe Grandi Lavori Cultural Association together with the parish, the festival was also born with the goal of revitalizing a neighborhood and strengthening bonds of solidarity. In the days leading up to the procession, there are sports activities, entertainment, and evenings of fellowship, with constant attention paid to the poor, in keeping with the charitable spirit that has always accompanied the devotion to Saint Joseph.