Folklore
Feast of St. Angelo
The Feast of Saint Angelo, Patron Saint of Licata, is a unique blend of religious tradition and folklore. On May 5th, the main procession sees the urn containing the saint's relics carried on the shoulders of the faithful, followed by thrilling races. The first race involves young barefoot sailors, who, holding onto each other, run quickly through the crowd, preceded by barefoot children shouting "Viva Sant'Angelo" as they weave their way through the people with lit torches. The second race features candles on wooden towers. The day culminates with another race, bringing the urn under the main altar, followed by the heavy "ntorci" – wooden candles carried by strong farmers. The festivities continue the following day with a sea regatta, the "albero della cuccagna" (greasy pole), and light music concerts, closing with a spectacular fireworks display.
Feast of St. Angelo in mid-August
The origins of this celebration are linked to a miraculous event that occurred in August 1625, when the city, through the intercession of its patron saint, was freed from the plague.
Today the August festival, which takes place on the first Sunday after August 15th with the same civil and religious functions as the May festival, with the procession of the urn and the races through the streets of the city, has also become an opportunity to allow tourists or Licata residents who live far away to experience the festival of S. Angelo.
Ntrorce
The "ntorce" the 4 candles, wooden sculptures that accompany the Saint during the procession of May 5th, are housed in the church dedicated to the Patron Saint. Different attributions are given to the "ntorce"; from the bastions defending the city, to the 4 castles present in the territory, or the Saracen ships that chased the ship with which Sant'Angelo would have arrived in Licata.
The candles actually represent the saint's four titles: doctor, confessor, virgin and martyr.
Their names derive from the 4 ancient trades: agriculture (called Piana), pastoralism (Comuni), farmers and shepherds.
Mules Parati
The parade of the "muli parati" is another of the many events that accompany the patronal festival.
The animals dressed up for the occasion parade up to the church to pay homage, bearing gifts, to Sant'Angelo on the sanctuary's parvis. For the occasion, the animals are adorned with flowers, peacock feathers, rich harnesses and bells.
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