Every year, from 1 to 4 May, the picturesque village of Polizzi Generosa comes alive to celebrate the traditional Feast of the Holy Cross.
Every year, from 1 to 4 May, the picturesque village of Polizzi Generosa comes alive to celebrate the traditional Feast of the Holy Cross. This festival, deeply rooted in local culture and spirituality, attracts visitors from all over the island and beyond, offering a unique experience of folklore, devotion and community celebrations. The Feast of the Holy Cross of Polizzi has centuries of history and is one of the village's most emotional and popular events. The celebration begins with the exposition of the venerated Cross in the Church of the Holy Cross, followed by a series of processions that see the sacred simulacrum carried on the shoulders of the faithful along the ancient cobbled streets of the town. This rite of passage symbolises the sharing of pain and hope that the Cross represents. During the four-day festival, Polizzi Generosa is transformed. No less important are the culinary traditions that accompany the festival. Participating in the Feast of the Holy Cross offers not only a window into the deep spirituality and traditions of Polizzi Generosa, but also an opportunity to explore the natural and historical beauty of the Madonie. PROGRAMME OF THE FEAST OF THE HOLY CROSS
The streets are filled with the colours, sounds and scents typical of Sicilian festivities.
Among the most awaited moments is the 'Scinnuta du Signuri' on 1st of May, i.e. the Deposition of Christ from his chapel and his temporary placement in the open air, facing the countryside to bless it.
At first light on 3 May, the 'wax collection' takes place: the village bands, followed by the local people, play along the streets and neighbourhoods of the village to collect votive candles and bring them to the church as an offering to the Cross. Every candle donation will be accompanied by large tables laden with typical products offered by local families, while cheerful songs and tunes will be played for all to enjoy.
In the afternoon, one can admire the procession of the magnificent 17th century Cross carried on the shoulders of the faithful to the cry of "misericordia!" (mercy)
4 May, the last day of the feast, ends with the return of the Cross to the church, a moment of intense spiritual emotion.
Visitors and locals alike can delight in traditional dishes such as Sfoglio 'u sfuagghiu', a rich and flavoured dessert typical of the area, as well as enjoy tastings of local products such as cheeses, cold cuts and other typical sweets along the rich tables at dawn on 3 May.
The event is an ideal moment to immerse oneself in the local culture.
For those seeking an experience that combines spirituality, tradition and natural beauty, the Feast of the Holy Cross in Polizzi Generosa is an unmissable event.
Every year the festival takes place according to a precise programme that has been handed down for generations:
- 1 May
Morning
The bread is blessed and then distributed to the faithful and Scinnuta du Signuri: the Cross is taken from its chapel and brought to the square in front of the Carmine Church to bless the fields and crops.
At the end of the blessing, the statue of the Cross is placed back on the main altar of the church.
Afternoon
Bread blessing: in the house of 'du dipusitariu', the person in charge of the festivities, bread arranged in the shape of a cross is blessed. This bread will be distributed to the faithful on the following days.
This is followed by the band marching through the main streets of the village.
Evening
Procession: at around 9 p.m., a simulacrum of the 17th century crucifix, known as "u nicu", is carried in procession along a pre-established route.
The day ends with a fireworks display.
- 2 May
Morning
Early morning masses are celebrated.
Evening
Procession: at around 9 p.m., a simulacrum of the 17th century crucifix, known as "u nicu", is carried in procession along a pre-established route.
The day ends with a fireworks display.
- 3 May
Before dawn
Furriata du Patri Nuastru: at 4 a.m., a band wakes the village with cheerful tunes.
Morning
Arricugghiuta da cira: collection of votive candles. The faithful welcome the musicians and the people, offering food and drink and donating candles that are then brought to the foot of the Cross in the church.
Afternoon
Solemn procession: at 5 p.m., the simulacrum of the Cross, adorned with flowers and lighted candles, is carried by 'naked' devotees, dressed in white with a red sash to the cry of "misericordia" (mercy).
- 4 May
Morning
Scinnuta du Signori: last blessing of the countryside and greeting to the devotees with the Cross carried out of the church again.
Conclusion of the Festival
Relocation of the Cross: the Holy Cross is returned to its chapel.
A final Holy Mass is celebrated and the new custodian, i.e. the new person in charge of the festivities for the following year, is proclaimed.
