Winter Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul the Apostle

The patronal feast of Palazzolo Acreide

The Winter Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul the Apostle is the celebration of the patron saint of Palazzolo Acreide, an ancient village in the province of Syracuse and part of the UNESCO World Heritage site of the late-baroque towns of the Val di Noto. Saint Paul is celebrated twice a year: on January 25th, the day commemorating his conversion on the road to Damascus, with the winter feast; and on June 29th with the grand summer festival. Falling in mid-winter, the January recurrence takes on a propitiatory meaning: invoking favorable weather conditions to ensure a good harvest for the farming community.

The Sciuta and the procession

The highlight is the so-called Sciuta, the exit of the statue from the Basilica of Saint Paul. On the evening of January 25th, a solemn Mass is celebrated, followed by the procession of the simulacrum and the reliquary through the town's main streets, accompanied by the faithful and a brass band. As the 16th-century statue of the Patron Saint crosses the church portal, the square erupts in a shower of nzareddi—thin, colorful paper ribbons that cover everything in an instant—while fireworks light up the winter sky.

Rituals and popular devotion

• The presentation of children to Saint Paul, lifted toward the sky to entrust them to the Saint's protection: one of the most evocative and moving moments.
• The distribution and collection of cuddùre, votive ring-shaped breads adorned with red ribbons, and bundles of blessed wheat.
• The ancient connection to the cerauli (snake charmers) and the tradition that identifies Saint Paul as a protector against venomous bites.

An identity heritage of the Val di Noto

Due to its beauty and ancient tradition, the Feast of Saint Paul the Apostle is recognized as an expression of Sicily's intangible heritage and contributes to the identity of Palazzolo Acreide, a UNESCO-listed city. In Palazzolo, devotion intertwines with the historic rivalry between the paolesi (devotees of Saint Paul) and the sebastianesi (devotees of Saint Sebastian): two factions that have animated the town's religious and social life for centuries. The winter celebrations continue until February 1st, the day of the octave, with the "velata" (veiling) of the Patron's statue, which officially closes the festivities.

When it takes place

The winter feast centers around January 25th, with a novena and preparatory rites in the preceding days and the concluding octave on February 1st. It is a deeply religious and communal event, ideal for those wishing to discover baroque Sicily away from the summer tourist crowds, immersing themselves in the spirituality and authentic folklore of the municipality of Palazzolo Acreide.