Festino Di San Vito

Festino Di San Vito Festino Di San Vito
Saint Vitus is the patron saint of Mazara del Vallo (Trapani), his hometown. He was particularly invoked to ward off lethargy, the bite of venomous or hydrophobic animals and against the disease that takes its name from him: ‘St Vitus’ Dance', a pathology that forces the sufferer to make unconscious moves.

Festino Di San Vito Festino Di San Vito
Festino Di San Vito Festino Di San Vito
Festino Di San Vito Festino Di San Vito
Festino Di San Vito Festino Di San Vito

The saint's festivities are the result of a long history, with celebrations dating back to 1614 and continuing from then until today. From 17 to 24 August 2025, there is a dense programme of historical processions, music, re-enactments of the saint's life, processions such as the historical-ideal one of the living paintings, in which some 150 participants, dancers, musicians, artists in period costume take part, and the embarkation of the saint and the parade of the fishing fleet of Mazara del Vallo. All of this seals the intense devotion and participation of the people of Mazara del Vallo, testifying to a 411-year-old tradition.

The transport of the simulacrum of the patron saint on the triumphal float drawn by the fishermen of Mazara, from the Cathedral Basilica to the Church of San Vito on the seashore at 3.30am makes this the most morning-long procession in Italy.

The days will be enriched by exhibitions and in-depth studies with experts from prestigious Italian universities and choreographic training centres who will carefully guide us in reading the forms of artistic expression disseminated at various times during the Festino di San Vito. It will be an opportunity to visit Mazara del Vallo and enter into its deepest experience.

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