August 31, 2026 – September 17, 2026 · Sortino (SR)
Sortino celebrates its Patron Saint, Santa Sofia, with the 491st edition of this historic festival. A rich program of religious and civil events brings the town's streets to life, featuring processions, spectacular fireworks displays, band concerts, and a special appearance by Nina Zilli. It's a unique opportunity to experience the deep-rooted traditions and local pride of Sortino.
The festival kicks off on Monday, August 31st at 6:00 PM at Chiesa Santa Sofia with the 'SVELATA' (unveiling) of our Patron Saint, Santa Sofia. Tuesday, September 8th starts bright and early at 8:00 AM in Piazza S. Sofia with the ringing of sacred bells and mortar fire, followed by more mortar fire at 6:00 PM. The official blessing and opening of the festivities begin at 8:00 PM in Piazza S. Sofia, with the lighting of the illuminations at 8:30 PM in Piazza Quattro Canti. Wednesday, September 9th continues with mortar fire and the ringing of all church bells at 7:30 AM in Piazza S. Sofia. The 'P. G. Cianci' Band of Sortino will parade through the town at 8:00 AM, performing symphonic marches at 11:30 AM in Piazza G. Verga. More mortar fire will be heard at 12:00 PM in Piazza Matrice, S. Giuseppe, and Cappuccini, with firecrackers in Piazza S. Sofia. The 'F. Rossitto' Band of Sortino will parade along C.so Umberto at 6:00 PM. A procession of the Relic takes place at 7:00 PM in Piazza S. Pietro, followed by a fireworks display at 7:30 PM in Piazza S. Sofia. The 'Premio Orgoglio Sortinese 2026' (Sortino Pride Award) will be presented at 9:00 PM in Piazza S. Sofia, concluding with a concert by the 'F. Rossitto' Band of Sortino at 10:30 PM in Piazza S. Sofia. Thursday, September 10th is a major day, beginning at 7:00 AM in Piazza S. Sofia with 21 cannon shots and the ringing of sacred bells. Both the 'P.G. Cianci' and 'F. Rossitto' bands will parade through town at 8:00 AM. The traditional blessing of votive bread in honor of the Saint Patron will also take place at 8:00 AM. Parades by the Grifoni di Biscari and Tamburi di Acate begin at 9:30 AM. Civil and Military Authorities, the Committee, and the Bearers of S. Sofia will move from Piazza G. Verga towards the Sanctuary of our Patron Saint at 9:30 AM. A Solemn Pontifical Mass, presided over by S.E. Rev.ma, Mons. Francesco Lomanto, will be held at 10:00 AM in Chiesa S. Sofia. The majestic and spectacular 'SCIUTA' (exit) from the Sanctuary of S. Sofia with the procession of the Vare occurs at 11:30 AM. The 'Sbandieratori & Musici Casale Cannicattini' will parade through the town at 6:00 PM. Another Solemn Pontifical Mass, presided over by S.E. Rev.ma, Mons. Francesco Lomanto, will be held at 7:00 PM in Chiesa Madre. The presentation of children and a procession of the simulacrum of S. Sofia will take place at 8:00 PM in Chiesa Madre. A fireworks display is scheduled for 10:15 PM in Piazza S. Sofia, followed by the 'Wonder NINA ZILLI Tour 2026' concert at 11:00 PM in Piazza S. Sofia, with another fireworks display at the end of the concert. Sunday, September 13th features a theatrical performance: 'In ricordo di Lei' directed by Lilia Romeo, at 9:00 PM in Piazza S. Sofia. The 'Ottava' (Octave) on Thursday, September 17th includes the Solemn Exit of S. Sofia at 5:00 PM, with a procession towards the Church of S. Giuseppe accompanied by the 'P. G. Cianci' Band of Sortino. A Holy Mass will be held at 8:30 PM in the Parish of S. Sofia, followed by a procession of the Simulacrum through the town streets, accompanied by the 'F. Ros' Band.