Saint Peter Festival
The patronal feast of Modica featuring monumental Santoni, processions, and fireworks
About Saint Peter Festival Modica
The patronal feast of Modica
The Saint Peter Festival is one of the most cherished traditions in the town of Modica, located in the heart of the Iblei mountains in the province of Ragusa, southeastern Sicily. Saint Peter the Apostle is the city's co-patron alongside Saint George: in 1884, Pope Leo XIII proclaimed both as patron saints, a compromise that never fully quelled the historic rivalry between Sampietrari (the faithful from the lower town) and Sangiorgiari (those from the upper town), two civic identities that have vied for supremacy for centuries. The festival traditionally takes place in the final days of June, culminating on the 29th, and represents the heart of the so-called "Modican June."
The monumental Santoni
The most spectacular moment is the parade of the Santoni, papier-mâché statues depicting Jesus Christ and the twelve Apostles, standing over three meters tall. This tradition has Spanish origins, linked to the Iberian Gigantes, and was interrupted in the 1950s before being revived recently through the restoration work of local artisans and civic associations. The Santoni depart from Palazzo dei Mercedari and, accompanied by the "I Grifoni di Biscari" drum group, traverse the main streets and squares of the historic center before lining up before the scenic staircase of the Church of Saint Peter, which is flanked by twelve stone statues of the Apostles—a masterpiece of Sicilian Baroque.
Religious rites and celebrations
The day of the solemnity, June 29, opens with morning religious services and the parade of local authorities. In the evening, a concelebrated mass presided over by the Bishop of Noto takes place, followed by the procession of the statue of Saint Peter through the city center, illuminated by torches and candles. The festival concludes at midnight with traditional fireworks that light up the Modica sky.
The Saint Peter Fair
The religious dimension is complemented by the popular Saint Peter Fair, which enlivens the center in late June with market stalls, local products, and handicrafts, drawing visitors from neighboring towns. In recent years, the program has been enriched with cultural meetings, book presentations, exhibitions, and concerts, transforming the patronal feast into an event that weaves together faith, tradition, and culture in the heart of Modica.
Saint Peter Festival Modica — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Saint Peter Festival in Modica takes place from June 18 to 29. From June 19 to 21, the Music Festival brings three concerts by local bands to the churchyard of the Madonna del Soccorso and the staircase of the Church of Saint Peter. Among the cultural highlights: on June 22, the presentation of a volume on Sicilian Baroque altars at the Domus S. Petri; on June 26, a meeting with actress Valeria Bruni Tedeschi as part of the "Scenari" series; and on June 27, a book presentation by journalist Sigfrido Ranucci, followed by the presentation of the "Artefici di Armonia 2026" award.
On June 28, at 8:00 PM, the Santoni parade departs from Palazzo dei Mercedari, accompanied by the "I Grifoni di Biscari" drum group, traveling along Via Mercè, Piazza Corrado Rizzone, Corso Umberto I, Piazza Monumento, Via Marchesa Tedeschi, and ending at the Church of Saint Peter. On June 29, the patronal solemnity, the day opens with religious services and the parade of authorities; in the evening, the concelebrated mass presided over by the Bishop of Noto, Salvatore Rumeo, precedes the procession of the statue of Saint Peter and the traditional midnight fireworks.
Programme Saint Peter Festival Modica 2026
- June 18: Start of festivities
- June 19-21: Music Festival, concerts by local bands (Madonna del Soccorso churchyard and Saint Peter staircase)
- June 22: Presentation of a volume on Sicilian Baroque altars (Domus S. Petri)
- June 26: Meeting with Valeria Bruni Tedeschi, "Scenari" series
- June 27: Book presentation by Sigfrido Ranucci; "Artefici di Armonia 2026" award; opening of the Saint Peter Fair
- June 28, 8:00 PM: Santoni parade from Palazzo dei Mercedari with "I Grifoni di Biscari"
- June 29: Patronal solemnity, religious services, parade of authorities, concelebrated mass, statue procession, and midnight fireworks
Highlights Saint Peter Festival Modica 2026
- Parade of the monumental Santoni on June 28
- Evening procession of the statue of Saint Peter on June 29
- Midnight fireworks
- Music Festival and cultural meetings with prominent guests
- Saint Peter Fair in the historic center
Prices Saint Peter Festival Modica 2026
Practical information — Saint Peter Festival Modica
Getting there
Modica can be reached by car via the SS115; the nearest train stations and airports are in Comiso and Catania-Fontanarossa. Events take place in the historic center, around the Church of Saint Peter and Corso Umberto I.
Admission
Participation in the rites, processions, and the Santoni parade is free. It is recommended to arrive early to secure a good viewing spot along the route, especially for the Santoni parade and the midnight fireworks.
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Where does it take place — Saint Peter Festival Modica
Chiesa di San Pietro e centro storico di Modica