Sea Festival and Feast of Saint Peter

The Sea Festival of Sciacca

The Sea Festival and Feast of Saint Peter is the signature event for the maritime community of Sciacca, a town on the southern coast of Sicily in the province of Agrigento. Every year, at the end of June, the picturesque Marina district becomes the beating heart of a celebration that weaves together deep religious devotion to Saint Peter, the patron saint of fishermen, with the culture, gastronomy, and popular traditions of this seafaring village.

A Century-Old Tradition

The roots of the festival date back to the early 20th century: as early as 2015, the event was already celebrating one of its historic milestones, a testament to a continuity that has lasted for nearly a century. The festival stems from the deep bond between Sciacca and its sea, which has always been the source of livelihood for the many fishing families who animate one of Sicily's most important fishing fleets. Saint Peter, the first of the apostles and a fisherman from Galilee, has been invoked for centuries as the protector of those who make their living on the sea.

The 2026 Program

The 2026 edition takes place from Thursday, June 25th to Monday, June 29th in the Marina Antica district. The event, supported by the Municipality of Sciacca and the Regional Department of Cultural Heritage and Sicilian Identity, blends moments of faith, art, culture, theater, cabaret, music, entertainment, and insights into the fishing industry.

• Thursday, June 25th: Inauguration with the Rosary and Holy Mass at the Church of Saint Peter, a meeting on the resilience of the Sicilian fishing industry and artisanal fishing, a theatrical performance by the Dante Alighieri Comprehensive Institute, a show cooking session with chef Emanuele Lo Monaco, and evening shows with Alessandro Gandolfo and Esteban Galo.
• Friday, June 26th: An in-depth look at Ferdinandea Island with the immersive experience "L'Isola che c'è", a traveling show on the legend of Colapesce, a performance by the Jamurria quartet, and evening music and entertainment.
• Saturday, June 27th: The traditional 'Ntinna a Mari, religious celebrations, traveling shows on popular traditions, dance, music, and cabaret.
• Sunday, June 28th: Solemn procession of the statue of Saint Peter through the streets of the Marina and the evocative sea procession in the evening, show cooking, performances, and a closing fireworks display.
• Monday, June 29th: Solemn Holy Mass in honor of Saint Peter.

The 'Ntinna a Mari and the Sea Procession

The folkloric heart of the festival is the 'Ntinna a Mari, an ancient maritime game where contestants attempt to walk along a long, greased pole extending over the sea to grab a prize at the end: a challenge of balance and courage that highlights the skill of the fishermen. The other most emotional moment is the sea procession, when the statue of Saint Peter is loaded onto a fishing boat from the Sciacca fleet and taken out to sea, escorted by a parade of festively decorated vessels.

Flavors of the Sea

Along the alleys and exhibition spaces of the Marina Antica, the gastronomic area dedicated to the "Cuisine of Saint Peter" offers tastings of fresh fish, soups, shrimp, and maritime street food specialties that tell the story and identity of the Sciacca sea. There is also a maritime-themed art exhibition, a funfair in the Cristoforo Colombo area, and a city cycling event, all set against a backdrop that celebrates the finest local seafood and the hospitality of the Municipality of Sciacca.