Every year, on the seventh Wednesday after Easter, the historic village of Polizzi Generosa comes alive to celebrate the ancient feast of 'L'ultimu miarculi', dedicated to San Gandolfo, the patron saint loved and worshipped by the entire local community.
The feast of "L'ultimu miarculi", which literally means "the last Wednesday", commemorates the arrival of the saint at Polizzi Generosa. He first stopped in the countryside below and performed his first miracle with a deaf-mute and his mule. The night before, on Tuesday, the people go to the hermitage, where an impressive torchlit procession takes place, with a wooden cross borne in procession near the hermitage. As in any self-respecting Sicilian festival, "L'ultimu miarculi" showcases delicacies of local cuisine. Traditional and seasonal dishes such as pasta with broad beans and pecorino cheese, bread from Polizzi, blessed for the occasion, and desserts such as the typical Sfogliettini, are just some of the delicacies that visitors and residents can enjoy, accompanied by the renowned Madonie wines. Taking part in the "L'ultimu miarculi" festival offers visitors an opportunity to immerse themselves in an event that not only celebrates local faith and culture but also strengthens community ties. THE "ULTIMU MIARCULI" FESTIVAL PROGRAMME
This commemoration occurs seven Wednesdays after Easter, close to Pentecost, as the saint died during the Easter period and his bones were exhumed a century later during Pentecost.
The celebrations take place at the Hermitage dedicated to the Saint, a religious site in the countryside where the Saint stopped and performed his first miracle.
The heart of the celebrations takes place on Wednesday morning with a procession that leaves from Polizzi and walks to the Hermitage escorting one of the Saint's relics.
Once in the countryside, there is a solemn mass that ends in a great convivial gathering in the courtyard in front.
Polizzi Generosa is transformed, showing visitors its welcoming spirit and rich history.
It is an opportunity to discover authentic Sicilian traditions, the scenic beauty of the Madonie and the hospitality of its inhabitants.
Residents and visitors are invited to participate actively in the celebrations, sharing moments of faith, tradition and community together.
- Previous evening
Great Torchlight Procession: on the eve of the "ultimu miarculi", the citizens of Polizzi Generosa gather for a torchlit procession that illuminates the countryside below the town and always proves popular. - Day of the event
Solemn procession: The highlight of the festival sees the priest lead the solemn procession from the Chiesa Madre to the hermitage of San Gandolfo.
During the procession, a relic of the saint is carried with great reverence, symbolising the spiritual connection between the saint and the community of Polizzi.
Liturgical ceremonies at the Hermitage: once at the Hermitage, the main liturgical ceremonies take place, during which the community gathers to reflect and pray, remembering the miracle and the blessing of San Gandolfo.
