Santissimo Crocifisso Festival – Lu Tri di Maiu
Devotion to the Black Christ, walking barefoot through the heart of Siculiana
About Santissimo Crocifisso Festival
Siculiana's most cherished festival
The Santissimo Crocifisso Festival, known to all as "Lu Tri di Maiu" (the third of May), is the event that mobilizes the entire community of Siculiana, in the province of Agrigento, in the heart of Sicily. For five days, between the end of April and May 3rd, this small town on the Agrigento coast transforms into a grand stage for popular faith, music, and age-old traditions, attracting pilgrims and visitors from the entire region.
The Black Christ, the heart of devotion
At the center of the festivities is the statue of the Santissimo Crocifisso, the famous "Black Christ": a fine, dark-colored holm oak wood sculpture of great expressive intensity, depicting the moment of Jesus' death. The tradition of this cult dates back to 1681, when the Bishop of Agrigento, Francesco Rhini, established the Confraternity of the SS. Crocifisso in Siculiana, known as the "dei 33," with the obligation to celebrate the statue every May 3rd. A popular legend tells that the crate containing the Christ, destined for Burgio, miraculously stopped in Siculiana, where an infirm person was healed by sitting on it: the oxen meant to pull the cart beyond the stream refused to continue, thus assigning the Crucifix to the people of Siculiana.
The rituals of the festival
The most emotional moments of the event are deeply rooted in local culture:
- The lowering of the veil: A rite introduced in 1813, celebrated on May 2nd when the veil concealing the statue is lowered to the singing of the hymn "A Te lode o Crocifisso," amidst the emotion of the faithful.
- The May 3rd procession: The climax of the event, when the float carrying the statue travels through the town streets with its typical, sudden movements and "dives," attributed by popular devotion to the will of the Saint himself.
- The "Pitreri" cannon fire from Monte Mele: The cannon shots that, from the top of the hill, announce and mark the days of the festival.
- The barefoot pilgrimage: Numerous faithful reach the statue barefoot to fulfill vows and promises.
Music, entertainment, and community
Alongside the religious dimension, the festival offers a rich secular program with brass bands, concerts in Piazza Umberto I, evening shows, photography contests, and moments of gathering that involve the entire citizenry. Today, the Santissimo Crocifisso Festival is one of the most authentic expressions of religious and popular identity in the province of Agrigento, an appointment that weaves the sacred and the profane into a unique atmosphere.
Santissimo Crocifisso Festival — edition 2026
2026 Edition: five days of celebration
The Santissimo Crocifisso 2026 festivities in Siculiana took place from April 29 to May 3. The program alternated between religious rites and musical events, with the "Pitreri" cannon fire from Monte Mele marking the days.
Among the most anticipated events, on the evening of Friday, May 1st, for Labor Day, the concert by I Cugini di Campagna took place in Piazza Umberto I at 9:30 PM, with free admission. The same day opened at 8:30 AM with musical harmonies through the streets, the procession from the church of San Vincenzo to the Sanctuary with the relic of the Holy Cross, and mass with the blessing of the new bearers. In previous days, the "Vincenzo Bellini" band also performed, alongside the award ceremony for the "Tri di maiu ni lu cori" photography contest.
The climax arrived on Sunday, May 3rd, starting at 5 AM with the Dawn Mass, followed by the solemn mass at 11 AM and, at 3 PM, the solemn procession of the Black Christ statue through the historic center, amidst the faith of a community that also walks barefoot.
Programme Santissimo Crocifisso Festival 2026
2026 Program (summary)
- Thursday, April 30: 6 PM cannon fire from Monte Mele; entry of the Siculiana and Raffadali bands; 6:30 PM Holy Mass; 10 PM concert by the "Vincenzo Bellini" band in Piazza Umberto I with the award ceremony for the "Tri di maiu ni lu cori" contest.
- Friday, May 1: 8:30 AM musical harmonies through the streets; 10 AM procession from the church of San Vincenzo to the Sanctuary with the relic of the Holy Cross; 11 AM mass and blessing of the new bearers; 4:30 PM community prayer at the nursing home; 6 PM cannon fire; 9:30 PM concert by I Cugini di Campagna in Piazza Umberto I.
- Saturday, May 2: Solemn mass of the "Calata di lu velo" (lowering of the veil).
- Sunday, May 3: 5 AM Dawn Mass; 8:30 AM musical harmonies through the streets; 11 AM solemn mass; 3 PM solemn procession of the Black Christ statue.
Highlights Santissimo Crocifisso Festival 2026
- Free concert by I Cugini di Campagna (May 1, 9:30 PM, Piazza Umberto I)
- Solemn procession of the Black Christ (May 3, 3 PM)
- Lowering of the veil (May 2)
- "Pitreri" cannon fire from Monte Mele
Prices Santissimo Crocifisso Festival 2026
Practical information — Santissimo Crocifisso Festival
How to get there
Siculiana is located along the coast of the province of Agrigento. By car: take the SS115 Agrigento-Sciacca road, Siculiana exit. By train: Siculiana station on the Agrigento-Trapani line, with limited service. The nearest airport is Palermo (Punta Raisi), about 130 km away.
When
The festivities take place every year between the end of April and May 3rd, the day of the solemn procession.
Tips
The May 3rd afternoon procession is a must-see. It is recommended to arrive early to witness the lowering of the veil (May 2nd) and to find a spot in Piazza Umberto I during the evening concerts. Musical and religious events are free to attend.
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Where does it take place — Santissimo Crocifisso Festival
Santuario del SS. Crocifisso e centro storico