Santa Lucia, venerated as the patron saint of sight and symbol of light and hope, is particularly dear to the inhabitants of Polizzi Generosa.
On 12 and 13 December, the village of Polizzi Generosa, nestled in the beautiful Madonie Mountains in Sicily, lights up to celebrate the Festival of Santa Lucia (Saint Lucy), a moment of great spiritual, cultural and gastronomic significance for the community. Lucia was born in Syracuse between 283 and 304 AD and, as a Christian, suffered arrest and torture without ever denying her faith. The eve of the festival: on the evening of the eve, the people of Polizzano usually prepare for dinner the traditional 'cuccìa', a soup made with wheat, chickpeas and dried Badda beans typical of the region. In families, preparations for this dish already begin immediately after the Immacolata. This dish also continues to reflect the Polizzana peasant tradition, being free of ingredients such as ricotta and chocolate found elsewhere in Sicily. The Festival of Santa Lucia is an event that celebrates light in its purest form, symbolising hope and rebirth and providing a special moment to discover how tradition and faith are intertwined in the daily life of the village, offering an experience of cultural and personal connection. If you too would like to experience light and tradition and discover the beauty of a village rich in history and culture, don't miss the Santa Lucia festival in Polizzi!
This festival, rooted in tradition and devotion, attracts both residents and visitors eager to participate in this celebration of faith and folklore.
After her death, she was buried in the Syracuse catacombs that now bear her name, where a church dedicated to her was later built.
Lucia is regarded as the patron saint of sight, an attribution derived from the Latin meaning of her name "lux", meaning light.
Santa Lucia is symbolised as the one who dispels darkness and announces the renewed advent of light in the world.
The feast day of 13 December commemorates the martyrdom of Santa Lucia of Syracuse, and in Polizzi Generosa it is celebrated in the beautiful Chiesa del SS. Cross with a series of rituals and traditions rooted in centuries of history.
Solemn Mass: the day of the feast begins with Mass at the Church of the Holy Cross in Polizzi Generosa, where the community gathers to pray and honour the saint. The church fills with the faithful, the air is filled with devotion and biscuits with a unique eye shape, called 'ucchiuzzi di Santa Lucia', are distributed.
A particularly poignant moment is the blessing of the eyes, a rite that reflects Santa Lucia's connection with the protection of sight.
Solemn procession: at sunset, the statue of Santa Lucia is carried on the shoulders of men called 'green berets' through the streets of the village, preceded by the 'green handkerchiefs', i.e. the devotees.
The procession is accompanied by prayers and chants, creating an atmosphere of deep spirituality.
