Saint Nicholas Patronal Feast / U Bamparizzu

U Bamparizzu 2025

The 2025 edition opened on the afternoon of December 5th with the fishermen's parade from Piazza Castelluccio around 3:30 PM, and the departure of the Princely Court from Piazza Castello at 4:00 PM. The two processions met under the arcades of the Town Hall, where the symbolic handing over of the keys to the Bauso Castle took place, enriched by fireworks and theatrical interludes about the history of Villafranca. At 8:00 PM, in Piazza Castello, the great bonfire that gives the event its name was lit.

Historical and folk groups from the region took part in the re-enactment, including Alma Bailante Medioevo Danze e Cortei Storici from Patti, the Corteo Storico Federico IV D'Aragona from San Piero Patti, and the Cabbunari from Saponara, with the support of the S. Cecilia marching band, the civil protection service, and the local police. On December 6th, the feast of Saint Nicholas of Bari, the solemn mass and the procession of the patron saint were held through the town streets.