July 10

Feast of St. Rosalia

Join us in honoring the patron saint of Palermo, St. Rosalia, on her feast day with traditional Sicilian food, music, and festivities!

Yearly Date
July 10
Type
Day
Category
Religious
Country
Italy

Introduction

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!

Feast of St. Rosalia Timeline

1150
Birth of St. Rosalia
St. Rosalia, later known as the patron saint of Palermo, was born into a noble family in Sicily.
1166
Life of Solitude
St. Rosalia retreated into a life of solitude and prayer in a cave on Mount Pellegrino, where she dedicated her life to God.
1624
Miraculous Discovery
St. Rosalia's remains were miraculously discovered on July 10 and credited with stopping a plague that ravaged Palermo.
1625
First Feast of St. Rosalia
The first Feast of St. Rosalia was celebrated in Palermo, marking the beginning of an annual tradition still celebrated today.
1800s
Feast Goes Global
Sicilian immigrants brought the tradition of the Feast of St. Rosalia to destinations around the world, from New York to Argentina.
2019
Modern Celebrations
The Feast of St. Rosalia continues to be celebrated worldwide with processions, food, music, and festivities, honoring the beloved patron saint of Palermo.

How to Celebrate Feast of St. Rosalia

1

Attend a feast in honor of St. Rosalia

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.

2

Make traditional Sicilian dishes

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.

3

Visit a church dedicated to St. Rosalia

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.

4

Create a St. Rosalia themed playlist

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.

5

Learn about the history of St. Rosalia

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.

Why We Love Feast of St. Rosalia

A

It's a celebration of a beloved saint

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.

B

It brings people together

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.

C

It's a day for delicious food

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!

Feast of St. Rosalia Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Jul 10
Monday
2024
Jul 10
Wednesday
2025
Jul 10
Thursday
2026
Jul 10
Friday
2027
Jul 10
Saturday