Feast of St. Rosalia: The Feast of St. Rosalia, also known as ‘U Festinu’ by Italians, is celebrated annually in Palermo, Italy, from July 10 to July 15. Saint Rosalia, also known as “La Santuzza” in Sicily, is celebrated as the patron saint of the city on this regional public holiday. It spans six days and features a variety of distinct activities. Highlights of the festivities include a procession with an abundance of food on July 14 and a mass on July 15 during which a silver urn containing Saint Rosalia’s relics is carried around and blessed by the Archbishop of Palermo.
HISTORY OF FEAST OF ST. ROSALIA
Rosalia Sinibaldi was born to noble parents in Palermo in 1126. Her father was Earl Roger the First. Multiple times, he attempted to orchestrate a marriage for his daughter, but she refused. She converted to Christianity instead and entered a convent. Sinibaldi realised there was too much gossip and envy in the convent, so she became a recluse, just as she had done at court.
She dwelt in her father’s cave on Mount Pellegrino until her death in 1166 at the age of 35-36. She wrote on the cave’s walls, “I, Rosalia, daughter of Sinibald, Lord of [Monte] delle Rose and Quisquina, have decided to live in this cave for the love of my Lord, Jesus Christ.” Throughout her life, she was revered for her devotion and had been associated with a few miracles, but she was not yet in line to become a saint.
In 1624, when Italy was being devastated by the Black Plague, she manifested in the dreams of the populace. A sick woman, a hunter, and a Palermo soap merchant, to whom she revealed the location of her bones and instructed him to exhibit them around the city. The plague ended after he repeated the process three times. On July 15, 1625, they added Saint Rosalia’s name to the Roman Martyrology in recognition of the miracle that saved the city. In the cave where her remains were discovered, where she became the patron saint of Palermo, a sanctuary was erected.
FEAST OF ST. ROSALIA ACTIVITIES
Nestled against a stone precipice wall on Mount Pellegrino, it is a religious and tourist pilgrimage site. In 1787, Goethe visited the site and described it as “one that better befits the saint’s humility than the lavish celebrations held to commemorate her retirement from the world.”
On the evening of July 14, a statue of Rosalia was paraded through Palermo atop a massive and ornate chariot in the form of a boat. It is drawn by oxen and accompanied by performers in vibrant costumes. A path littered with references to suffering culminates in a spectacular pyrotechnics display. At this occasion, many traditional Italian dishes are also served.
On July 15, the Saint’s relics are transported throughout the city in a silver urn and masses are held in her honour. The urn ultimately returns to the Cathedral, where the Archbishop of Palermo blesses it.
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5 SURPRISING FACTS ABOUT PALERMO
It is one of the most populous communities in Italy.
Sixth most populous city in Italy with an estimated population of over 650,000 residents.
It is one of Europe’s warmest capitals.
Due to its southern location, local climate systems, and proximity to Africa, Palermo receives more than 2,500 hours of annual sunlight.
They have the largest opera theatre in Italy.
The Teatro Massimo’s auditorium was designed to accommodate 3,000 people, and it is one of the largest theatres in Europe.
Its many catacombs are a status symbol
When monks ran out of space in their cemetery and desired to conserve the lives of influential and wealthy individuals, they constructed the Catacombe dei Cappuccini, which now houses more than 8,000 bodies.
They have one of the most extensive terminals.
The Port of Palermo is more than 2,700 years old and services more than two million passengers and approximately five million tonnes of cargo annually, making it one of the largest ports in the Mediterranean.
