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Italy gears up to celebrate saint days

Courtesy the Macchina di Santa Rosa Viterbo

Whether you need help finding your lost wallet or healing from an illness, there’s a patron saint for that. Christians in Italy especially like to recognize and celebrate their patron saints, since there is a saint assigned to every city in the country.

Centuries-old traditions of commemorating a saint’s designated feast day remain important to many Italians, and can be a captivating festival to witness during a religious-themed tour of the country. These annual festivals give tourists the opportunity to interact with the locals, learn about the area’s history and catch a glimpse into the culture of the region.

 

Italy has several famous feast days in September. In 2010, preparations to accommodate the thousands of religious pilgrims who travel to these September patron saint feast days are already underway.

 

September 3: Feast of Saint Rosa in Viterbo, Latium Region

To honor Saint Rosa, who was credited with saving Viterbo from pestilence in the 17th century, 100 men carry her 91-foot high and 5-ton statue through the city’s streets on her feast day. It is considered a great privilege to be selected as one of the men in charge of carrying the wooden monument, or “Machine of Santa Rosa,” for over a mile through the city.

 

Since the giant statue is carried at night while filled with candles, the resulting spectacle is both impressive and emotional for many who witness it.

 

September 13: Feast of the Holy Face of Lucca in Lucca, Tuscany

Ever since a statue mysteriously appeared in Lucca pulled on a cart by oxen with no driver, the Feast of the Holy Face has been set aside dedicated to the beautifully carved statue. Though the figure depicted is Jesus and not a patron saint, the celebration mimics many of the patron saint festivals with a procession.

 

On the eve of the feast, a solemn procession of wax candles moves from the church of San Frediano to the Cathedral San Martino, which houses the statue. The entire central district of the city also illuminates its acclaimed architecture with hundreds more candles with a moving effect.

 

September 19: Feast of Saint Januarius in Naples, Campania Region

The story of the miraculous liquification of the dried blood of the martyr San Januarius after his beheading causes a rather unusual feast celebration in Naples. According to tradition, the dried blood of the saint kept in two vials turned back into liquid in 305 A.D.

 

Now called the “miracle of the blood,” the story is remembered in Naples by a paraded statue of the saint that inspires prayers, tears and singing as it is moved through the streets. Inside the Cathedral of Naples, the dried blood inside a silver container is said to be from Saint Januarius.

 

Another festival to consider:

 

February 5: Feast of St. Agatha in Cantania, Sicily

 

Feast of St. Agatha is one of the largest religious processions in the world. For three days thousands of people swarm the streets of Cantania to honor St. Agatha, as the relics of the saint passes through neighborhoods in a silver carriage.

 

Commemorating the martyrdom of the Catanaian saint, the festival culminates with an all-night procession through the city. The festival has been held for five centuries and includes fireworks, parades, races and religious ceremonies.

 

For more information, visit www.italiatourism.com.

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