Saint Anthony of Padua is recognized as the patron saint of Poggioreale by the Bishop of Mazara, Monsignor Michele Scavo, in a document dated 1769. This document confirms that the saint’s feast day is celebrated on June 13th.

Saint Anthony of Padua is the patron saint of Poggioreale, a thaumaturge saint who, among the people of Poggioreale, is referred to as the “punisher of sin.” According to local tradition, in 1895, when the feast of Corpus Christi coincided with June 13th, the townspeople decided to combine the two celebrations. It is said that during the procession, the large crowd unconsciously gathered around the statue of the saint, leaving the Blessed Sacrament “unattended.” This event, which in this context has become a popular legend that reinforces the community’s religious tradition, is interpreted as a moment in which the saint showed his generosity toward the people of Poggioreale by blessing them with graces and favours.

June 12th and 13th are the days dedicated to the patron saint. An association is centered around the saint, responsible for the management of worship and the organization of the festivities. The case of Saint Anthony of Poggioreale is particularly significant because it includes elements that make it a powerful celebration in terms of its devotional structure. The folkloric aspects involve not only the local rural community but also groups abroad. The feast of Saint Anthony in Poggioreale becomes a social and identity-driven event through which the community regains a sense of unity, as emigrants return to venerate their patron saint.

The festivities begin on June 12th with community activities that engage the entire population. Indeed, the feast of Saint Anthony also serves as an opportunity to promote local culture through performances and artistic events. However, the most solemn and defining moment—the so-called ‘nisciuta’ (the “going out” of the saint before the procession)—takes place on June 13th. It is also important to note that for the people of Poggioreale, the celebration is preceded by the “Tredicina,” a thirteen-day period (including the 13th) during which the community gathers to spiritually prepare, collectively praying to the patron saint.

Thus, everything begins on the second of the two actual celebration days. From the churchyard of the Mother Church, the procession unfolds, with the statue of the saint carried through the streets, surrounded by the faithful. The procession passes through all the town’s streets, and participation is heartfelt; the entire community becomes involved in this ritual moment. Some carry the saint as an offering of personal sacrifice, others follow in devotion praying for a blessing, while others are part of the band, solemnizing the moment through music. The role of the band is particularly formalized, as it not only accompanies the religious celebration but also performs concerts and musical displays throughout the festivities.

 

This element has been included in the Register of Intangible Heritage of local interest of the Municipality of Poggioreale, as part of Intervention 4: “Activation of the Observatory on the Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Territory through the application of the REIL methodology – Register of Intangible Heritage of Local Interest”, within the “Progetto di rigenerazione Poggioreale, vecchio e nuovo centro” project, funded by the NRRP (National Recovery and Resilience Plan), Mission: Digitalisation, innovation, competitiveness, culture and tourism, Component: Tourism and culture 4.0, Investment 2.1 “Attractiveness of villages.” CUP: E44H22000040006.