Feast of Saint Rosalia

First, the feast of Saint Rosalia (U fistinu in Sicilian) takes place in July in Palermo.

Rosalia was born in the Middle Ages. She was the prettiest lady in the palace and Roger’s favorite. So, she decided to give up the court, not only to reject a prestigious marriage, but to become a Basilic nun first. It was not about “withdrawing from the world”. But, it’s about taking care of the humble, the poor and those who have nothing.

Second, the life of Rosalia is told in the cathedral through the popular spectacle. So, seven scenes make up the story. In addition, with voices and music from different epochs, ranging from the birth of Rosalia to the defeat of the plague.

Third, the feast of Saint Rosalia, the patron saint of Palermo, attracts thousands of tourists to the city. Furthermore, it celebrates the liberation of the city from the plague of 1624. On the night of July 14th to 15th, thousands of Palermitans accompany the long march of Carro della Santuzza. So, a mixture of folklore and religion that culminates in fireworks. But also the Umberto I Forum illuminated as far as La Cala.

Theme of the feast of Saint Rosalia

The topic is women. The women who take care of it, the guardians of the weaknesses of our imperfect civilization.

And therefore a totally feminine party. Dancers and actresses who interpret their performances for the women. Besides, civil society women, entrepreneurs, workers, housewives, artists … the women of Palermo who carry the cart.

The procession

The route has become longer and more complex over the years. Many brotherhoods take part in the procession. Additionally, the oldest and most famous is the Brotherhood of Santa Rosalia dei Sacchi. It was founded in 1635 and consists of barbers and shoemakers (Varberi and Scarpari).

The car

The chariot, a metaphor for the saint’s triumph, soon became the focal point of the celebration, immediately assuming considerable dimensions.

Culinary traditions

During the festivities we eat foods that are part of the Palermo tradition: pasta with sardines (pasta chî sardi). Babbaluci (snails cooked with garlic and parsley), sfincione (‘u sfinciuni’). Boiled squid (“u purpu”), calia e simenza (“u scacciu”), boiled corn on the cob (Pullanca) and watermelon (called “u muluni”).