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Get ready to celebrate the Feast of St. Rosalia on July 10 – a day dedicated to honoring the patron saint of Palermo, Sicily! This feast has been celebrated since the 17th century and is known for its colorful processions, delicious food, and lively festivities. Legend has it that St. Rosalia helped end a plague in Palermo and her remains were miraculously discovered on this day in 1624. Today, people from all over the world come together to pay tribute to this beloved saint and celebrate with music, dancing, and traditional Italian cuisine. So mark your calendars and get ready for a joyous celebration!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1150</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Birth of St. Rosalia</div><div class='timeline-text'>St. Rosalia, later known as the patron saint of Palermo, was born into a noble family in Sicily.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1166</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Life of Solitude</div><div class='timeline-text'>St. Rosalia retreated into a life of solitude and prayer in a cave on Mount Pellegrino, where she dedicated her life to God.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1624</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Miraculous Discovery</div><div class='timeline-text'>St. Rosalia's remains were miraculously discovered on July 10 and credited with stopping a plague that ravaged Palermo.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1625</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Feast of St. Rosalia</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first Feast of St. Rosalia was celebrated in Palermo, marking the beginning of an annual tradition still celebrated today.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1800s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Feast Goes Global</div><div class='timeline-text'>Sicilian immigrants brought the tradition of the Feast of St. Rosalia to destinations around the world, from New York to Argentina.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2019</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Modern Celebrations</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Feast of St. Rosalia continues to be celebrated worldwide with processions, food, music, and festivities, honoring the beloved patron saint of Palermo.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a feast in honor of St. Rosalia</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Many cities with large Italian communities hold feasts in honor of St. Rosalia, such as in New York City's Little Italy. Attend one of these feasts to experience traditional food, music, and celebrations.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Make traditional Sicilian dishes</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Research and cook up some traditional Sicilian dishes in honor of St. Rosalia, such as pasta con le sarde (pasta with sardines) or cannoli. Invite friends and family over for a delicious feast.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit a church dedicated to St. Rosalia</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Find a local church or shrine dedicated to St. Rosalia and pay your respects by lighting a candle or saying a prayer. This can be a meaningful way to celebrate the saint's life and legacy.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Create a St. Rosalia themed playlist</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Compile a playlist of traditional Sicilian and Italian music in honor of St. Rosalia. Play it during a feast or gathering to add to the festive atmosphere.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Learn about the history of St. Rosalia</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take some time to research and learn about the life and legacy of St. Rosalia. Share your newfound knowledge with others and spread awareness about this important saint.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's a celebration of a beloved saint</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>St. Rosalia is a beloved saint in the Catholic Church, known for her devotion to helping the poor and sick. The Feast of St. Rosalia is a special day to honor her and celebrate her life and legacy.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It brings people together</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The Feast of St. Rosalia is often celebrated with parades, festivals, and other community events. It's a great opportunity for people to come together and celebrate their shared faith and love for St. Rosalia.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's a day for delicious food</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>No celebration is complete without delicious food, and the Feast of St. Rosalia is no exception. Traditional dishes like sfincione (Sicilian pizza), arancini (rice balls), and cannoli are often enjoyed on this special day, making it even more enjoyable for food lovers!</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The "Chariot" is A Central Symbol of the Feast</h3><p class='facts-content'>A large decorated chariot, known as "The Vara," is constructed and paraded through Palermo during the feast. Carrying a statue of St. Rosalia, it's pulled by mules symbolizing a sacred journey accompanied by fireworks, music and the lively spirit of the attendees.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>St. Rosalia is Also Known as ‘The Little Saint’</h3><p class='facts-content'>St. Rosalia, revered for her virtuous life of solitary dedication to God, is fondly referred to as ‘La Santuzza’ or ‘the Little Saint’ in local Italian dialect.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>A Rose Petals Tradition Commemorates the Miracle</h3><p class='facts-content'>To honor the miracle that ended the plague in Palermo, it's a tradition to shower the statue of St. Rosalia in the parade with rose petals, reflecting gratitude and joy.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Feast of St. Rosalia Features Unique Folk Dances</h3><p class='facts-content'>The feast showcases traditional Sicilian music and dance. Among them is the Tarantella, a lively folk dance performed by couples that adds a vibrant atmosphere to the celebrations.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>St. Rosalia's Cave is a Major Pilgrimage Site</h3><p class='facts-content'>The cave on Mount Pellegrino where St. Rosalia spent her life in solitude is now a major pilgrimage site. Many faithful make a journey to this cave, particularly during the feast, as part of their spiritual devotion.</p></div></div>
Feast of St. Rosalia is celebrated on July 10 every year. In 2024 it will fall on a Wednesday.
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Jul 10
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