SS. Crocifisso Festival of Castel Belice ('U Signuri di Bilici)

The 2025 edition of 'u Signuri di Bilici renewed the ancient appointment on May 3rd at the Sanctuary of the SS. Crocifisso of Castel Belice, on the heights between Marianopoli and Petralia Sottana. As per secular tradition, numerous faithful reached the sanctuary via the pilgrimage on foot from the Mother Church, with some completing the final stretch barefoot as a vow.

The day alternated between morning masses, the solemn celebration, the procession with the Major Rogations around the sanctuary, and the blessing of the fields, a propitiatory rite of the farming world. Around the cross on the hill, the devotees tied the traditional red ribbons, while the chapel welcomed the many ex-votos of the pilgrims, a testament to a faith that renews itself every year in the heart of central Sicily.