Militello in Val di Catania. Festival of the Santissimo Salvatore 

A patron saint of Militello since 1788, the Most Holy Savior is celebrated on August 18th, but the festive atmosphere resounds in the streets already in the preceding seven days.

The feast of the patron: the SS. Savior
The feast of the SS. Salvatore begins 10 days before August 18, with the "Cantata" of songs and prayers, the bells that ring to party and the cannons that shoot to blanks.

In the evening, along the main streets, a canvas is carried in procession, depicting the face of Christ the Savior, the work of an unknown artist of the early 1800s. a refrain to announce the approach of the holiday.

It is preceded by numerous recreational events and by the celebrations of the "Novenario", the following 9 days, until the 17th, "Vigilia" of the festival, in which some traditional rituals take place.

In the morning, the local marching band body roams the city for the traditional begging; in the evening, the Mayor and the religious and civil Authorities, escorted by the delegation of the Committee for the celebrations, go to the Mother Church.

Everyone brings with him his silver key with which to open the bronze door of the sacellum (the Mayor key "Vrbis Praefe - Patron Svo", the President of the festivities the "Vniversitas Militelli - Patron Svo", the Parish Priest the "Archipresbyter - Patron Svo").

The offering of the votive candle and flowers to the patron is followed by the unveiling of the canvas with the effigy of the Holy Savior. On the morning of the 18th, one hundred and one cannon shots and bells announce the feast day.

The solemn Pontifical in the morning opens the afternoon celebrations, with the exit of the fercolo from the Mother Church.

On the occasion of the procession, the parents entrust their still newborn children to the Patron, dressed only in the traditional red dress, a symbol of faith and devotion to Christ.

The procession ends, among colorful fireworks, with the ascent to Mount Calvary.

The celebrations conclude with the "Prayer Vigil" on the 24th and a last brief procession up to the "four songs" on the 25th.