Festival of Santa Rosalia in Palermo, Italy

Saint Rosalia and its worship are a chance for residents to get together. The Feast of Santa Rosalia (U Festìnu), usually takes place from July 10 until July 15, and it is a real tourist buster in Palermo.

According to local faith, in 1624 Santa Rosalia, the city’s patron saint also called la Santuzza. saved the city’s residents from a dreadful plague after her relics were found in Monte Pellegrino.

U Fistinu (the feast), starts on the 10th of July, and during the night between 14-15 July reaches its peak. Thousands of people follow the parade led by a giant iron made chariot, from the Cathedral to the Foro Italico. Folklore and religion meet and explode into traditional fireworks, making you believe the sun is shining.

During the celebrations traditional dishes are served: pasta with sardines (la pasta chî sardi), babbaluci (boiled snails with garlic and parsley), sfincione (‘u sfinciuni), boiled octopus ( ‘u purpu), calia e simenza ( ‘u scacciu), boiled panicle (pullanca) and watermelon (detto ‘u muluni).