Every year in May, Licata, our beautiful city on the southern coast of Sicily, transforms into a place of faith, community, and living tradition. We celebrate the feast in honor of our patron saint, Sant'Angelo (Saint Angelo), who lived in Licata in the 13th century and suffered his martyrdom here. For us, this feast is not only a religious event but also a significant moment of identity and solidarity.
The St. Angelo Feast: Celebrations Begin
Days before the actual feast, a special sense of anticipation already fills the air. The streets are decorated festively, stalls with local specialties are set up, and the aroma of arancini, panelle, and freshly baked cannoli drifts through the alleyways. The celebrations reach their peak on May 5 with the solemn procession. The reliquary urn containing the mortal remains of Sant'Angelo, normally kept in the church of Sant'Angelo, is carried barefoot through the city streets in an ornate litter. Particularly noteworthy are three sections of the processionin which the statue is carried at a run, moments filled with emotion and devotion.
[video: https://vivereinitalien.de/wp-content/uploads/VID-20230505-WA0109.mp4]
Accompanied by music, prayers, and the cheers of the faithful, the procession winds through the most important neighborhoods of Licata. One of the most moving moments is the arrival of the statue at the harbor, a powerful symbol of the blessing Sant'Angelo bestows upon the city's fishermen and the sea.
A Living Expression of Our History
Alongside the religious ceremonies , the feast offers a rich cultural and folkloric program. Brass bands play traditional Sicilian songs, and dance and theater groups perform on Piazza Progresso. There are carousels and games for children, while adults celebrate together well into the night.
A special highlight is the grand fireworks display that transforms the sky above Licata into a colorful spectacle, marking the conclusion of the festivities . This impressive show makes every heart beat faster and underscores the joie de vivre of our city. For us Licatesi, the St. Angelo Feast is far more than just a celebration. It is a living expression of our history, our faith, and our community. Anyone who has experienced it will feel the deep bond that unites us with our patron saint. And for those who wish to visit Licata, there is no better time than early May, when our city shines in its most glorious light. Our thanks go to Rosario Lo Vaccoof Colibri-Sprachstudio in Solingen for the photos and the text!