Saint Rosalia Festival
The patronal feast of Santo Stefano Quisquina, blending faith, the equestrian pilgrimage to the Hermitage, and Sicani traditions
About Saint Rosalia in Quisquina
One of the most beloved patronal feasts in the Sicani Mountains
The Saint Rosalia Festival is the heart of the identity of Santo Stefano Quisquina, a small town in the province of Agrigento perched in the Sicani Mountains of inland Sicily. For over ten days, from late May to early June, the entire community gathers around its patron saint in a celebration that weaves deep religious devotion, ancient folk traditions, and a vibrant village festival that draws emigrants and visitors from across the island.
The legend of the Quisquina Hermitage
The bond between Santo Stefano Quisquina and Saint Rosalia dates back to the 17th century. According to tradition, a few weeks after the discovery of the Saint's remains on Mount Pellegrino in Palermo, a cave was found in the woods of Quisquina with an inscription where Rosalia herself indicated the place as her refuge. Here, the young noblewoman lived as a hermit for about twelve years before moving to Mount Pellegrino. The relics arrived in the village on September 25, 1625, donated by the Archbishop of Palermo and housed in a splendid Silver Bust, which has since become the symbol of local devotion.
The most anticipated rites and moments
The festival begins with the Scinnuta, the solemn descent of the Silver Bust containing the relics into the Mother Church, accompanied by a Eucharistic celebration. The following days feature Holy Masses in the various districts of the town, the lighting of festive illuminations, and dance and music performances by local associations. The calendar reaches its peak with:
- the Solemnity of Saint Rosalia, featuring the dawn wake-up call, the entrance of the Quisquina Drums and the marching band, the solemn mass with the polyphonic choir, the evening procession of the Bust with the "Little Rosalias," and fireworks displays;
- the horseback ride and pilgrimage to the Quisquina Hermitage, when the Silver Bust is carried in a procession to the sanctuary in the woods, accompanied by the band and the traditional equestrian parade, with the distribution of bread, eggs, and water to the pilgrims;
- the town procession with the historical costume group and fireworks, culminating in the evocative "Acchianata della Santuzza" that returns the Bust to its place.
Folklore, music, and Sicilian flavors
Alongside the religious rites, the festival is also a major event for folklore and entertainment: folk groups, flag-wavers, Sicilian carts, vintage car and motorcycle rallies, sports memorials, and a packed musical program ranging from folk music to concerts by Sicilian bands. Not to be missed is the traditional banquet featuring lamb, the iconic dish of the festival, representing the peasant cuisine of the Sicani area.
A defining event for the community
For Santo Stefano Quisquina, the Saint Rosalia festival is not just a religious anniversary, but the moment when the entire community reconnects with its roots. Amidst decorated streets, the drums marking the rhythm of the parades, and the glow of the lights, the Sicani village offers visitors an authentic Sicilian experience where faith, history, and popular tradition coexist inseparably.
Saint Rosalia in Quisquina — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Saint Rosalia Festival was held in Santo Stefano Quisquina from May 31 to June 10. The program opened on Sunday, May 31, with a Eucharistic celebration in the Mother Church presided over by Bishop Guglielmo Giombanco of Patti, and the evocative Scinnuta of the Silver Bust containing the Saint's relics, which was broadcast via live streaming.
From June 1 to 5, Holy Masses were held in the various districts, accompanied by the lighting of festive illuminations and a series of cultural events, including a concert by I Malarazza and dance and music performances by local associations in Piazza Madre Chiesa. On Saturday, June 6, the solemnity of the patron saint, the dawn wake-up call preceded the entrance of the Quisquina Drums and the Gino Spicola marching band, the solemn mass with the polyphonic choir, the flag-wavers of the City of Caccamo, and the evening procession of the Silver Bust with the "Little Rosalias" and fireworks.
The most anticipated moment arrived on Tuesday, June 9, with the horseback ride and pilgrimage to the Quisquina Hermitage: departure at dawn from the village, a prayer stop at the Rocca, distribution of bread, eggs, and water, mass at the sanctuary, and the evening return with the town procession, the historical costume group, and the fireworks display, culminating in the "Acchianata della Santuzza." The closing on Wednesday, June 10, featured games for children, the final mass, and concerts by The Doubles and I Collage in Piazza Madre Chiesa.
Programme Saint Rosalia in Quisquina 2026
2026 Program (May 31 - June 10)
- Sun, May 31 – 7:00 PM Mother Church: Eucharistic celebration with Bishop Guglielmo Giombanco and Scinnuta of the Silver Bust (live streaming)
- Mon, June 1 - Fri, June 5 – Holy Masses in the districts; June 2 concert "I Malarazza – 100% Terrone"; dance and music performances; June 5 lighting of illuminations
- Sat, June 6 (Solemnity) – 7:00 AM dawn wake-up call; entrance of the Quisquina Drums and Gino Spicola band; 11:00 AM solemn mass with polyphonic choir; 4:00 PM Flag-wavers of Caccamo; 8:30 PM procession of the Silver Bust with "Little Rosalias" and fireworks
- Sun, June 7 (Corpus Domini) – Vintage car and motorcycle parade; solemn mass; Sikania Folk group from Bivona and Sicilian carts; Corpus Domini procession
- Mon, June 8 – Traditional egg collection; Horse Showcase; 9:30 PM "Atmosfera Blu" show and cabaret with Carlo Kaneba and Antonella Cirrone
- Tue, June 9 (Horseback ride and pilgrimage) – 8:00 AM departure to the Quisquina Hermitage with horseback ride and band; mass at the sanctuary; 8:00 PM town procession with historical group and fireworks; 11:00 PM "Acchianata della Santuzza"
- Wed, June 10 (Closing) – Games for children and Sikanian Street Band; 9:00 PM concerts "The Doubles" and "I Collage"; prize drawing and "Love 90 Italy" disco dance
Highlights Saint Rosalia in Quisquina 2026
- Scinnuta of the Silver Bust with the relics of Saint Rosalia
- Solemnity of June 6 with Quisquina Drums, Gino Spicola band, and Caccamo flag-wavers
- Horseback ride and pilgrimage to the Quisquina Hermitage on June 9
- Concerts by I Malarazza and I Collage in Piazza Madre Chiesa
- Fireworks displays and "Acchianata della Santuzza"
Prices Saint Rosalia in Quisquina 2026
Practical information — Saint Rosalia in Quisquina
Where it takes place
The festivities are held in Santo Stefano Quisquina (province of Agrigento), with the epicenter in the Mother Church and Piazza Madre Chiesa. The pilgrimage and the horseback ride reach the Quisquina Hermitage, nestled in the woods a few kilometers from the town center.
How to get there
By car from the A19 Palermo-Catania motorway (exit towards the Agrigento hinterland) or from the SS 189 towards Agrigento; the village can be reached via the provincial roads of the Sicani Mountains. The nearest train station is in Agrigento, from where you can continue by bus or car.
Practical tips
Access to processions, rites, and square performances is free. We recommend wearing comfortable clothing to follow the processions on foot and checking the updated schedules at the Municipality of Santo Stefano Quisquina and the festival committee's channels. The horseback ride to the Hermitage is the most evocative moment: it is advisable to arrive early to witness the departure from the Mother Church.
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Where does it take place — Saint Rosalia in Quisquina
Chiesa Madre e Piazza Madre Chiesa