The Festival of San Gandolfo in Polizzi Generosa is a celebration of faith and tradition.
Every year, on the third Sunday of September, the village of Polizzi Generosa comes to life to celebrate the festival of San Gandolfo, one of the most eagerly awaited and significant events for the community. This festival, which honours the village's patron saint, is a time of great devotion and an opportunity to preserve local traditions. San Gandolfo, venerated for a life devoted to the most needy and his various miracles, is deeply rooted in the hearts of the inhabitants of Polizzi Generosa. The festival celebrating the saint is an event that has been handed down over generations, for more than 700 years, characterised by deep spirituality and a feeling of community. The celebrations take place over three days: _ Religious procession: the heart of the festival are the processions in which the statues of San Gandolfo, the many-coloured wooden statue from the countryside and the Gaginian silver urn containing the sacred relics are borne aloft through the streets of the village. Decorated with flowers and lit by candles, raised by the cries of devotion of the faithful, the procession attracts residents and visitors alike, creating an atmosphere of reflection and veneration in a magical artistic setting._ The feast of San Gandolfo is the perfect occasion to experience the spirituality and culture of Polizzi Generosa. It is a time to come together, celebrate and rediscover the roots and traditions that define the village, strengthening the sense of belonging and community. Visiting Polizzi Generosa during this festival will give you the opportunity to get to know the authentic identity of the town through faith, culture and fun.
_ Saturday afternoon: first procession of the Saint through the streets of the village
_ Sunday afternoon: second procession after the celebrations in the Chiesa Madre
_ Monday afternoon: third procession to bring the statue of San Gandolfo back to the hermitage
_ Solemn Mass: Sunday began with a solemn mass in the Chiesa Madre of Polizzi Generosa, where the faithful gather to pray and pay homage to their patron saint.
_ Cultural and recreational activities: Alongside the religious events, the festival offers a range of cultural activities including traditional music and concerts, the famous 'da fera' (of the fair) fireworks display, and the many social and convivial activities that attract residents of Polizzi who have gone to live elsewhere.
_ Local gastronomy: There is no shortage of food stands and stalls at the Fair offering Sicilian specialities, giving visitors an opportunity to sample the authentic flavours of the region while celebrating the festival.
