The Feast Of St. Nicholas

Important festivities are devoted to the patron saint and protector of Salemi – whose feast day is 6 December – in this small medieval town. Meanwhile, on the date of the patronage over the town of Salemi, the “feast” is celebrated, marked by a procession of his statue through the old town

On the previous Friday, the life of the saint is re-enacted in Piazza Alicia. San Nicola (Saint Nicholas) is then bestowed with the five keys to the city and his statue is moved to the parish of San Francesco da Paola, where a pilgrimage with floral tributes begins. On the Sunday, in the old town, there is a parade of flag-wavers and a solemn procession, preceded by mass. At the end of the feast, an impressive and colourful firework display takes place.