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 bomb and mortar fire will be heard at 12:00 PM in various piazzas. In the evening, the 'F. Rossitto' Band of Sortino parades along C.so Umberto at 6:00 PM, followed by a procession of the Relic at 7:00 PM in Piazza S. Pietro. A fireworks display lights up Piazza S. Sofia at 7:30 PM, leading into the 'Premio Orgoglio Sortinese 2026' at 9:00 PM, and a concert by the 'F. Rossitto' Band at 10:30 PM in Piazza S. Sofia. Thursday, September 10th is a major day, starting with 21 cannon shots and sacred bell ringing at 7:00 AM in Piazza S. Sofia. Both the 'P.G. Cianci' and 'F. Rossitto' bands will parade through town at 8:00 AM, alongside the traditional blessing of votive bread. Parades by the Grifoni di Biscari and Tamburi di Acate begin at 9:30 AM, with civil and military authorities, the Committee, and the bearers of S. Sofia moving towards the Sanctuary. A Solemn Pontifical Mass will be held at 10:00 AM in Chiesa S. Sofia, followed by the majestic and spectacular 'SCIUTA' (exit) from the Sanctuary of S. Sofia with a procession of the Vare at 11:30 AM. In the evening, the 'Sbandieratori & Musici Casale Cannicattini' parade at 6:00 PM. Another Solemn Pontifical Mass takes place at 7:00 PM in Chiesa Madre, followed by the presentation of children and a procession of the simulacrum of S. Sofia at 8:00 PM. A grand fireworks display is scheduled for 10:15 PM in Piazza S. Sofia, culminating with the 'Wonder NINA ZILLI Tour 2026' at 11:00 PM, followed by another fireworks show. 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 marks a solemn exit of S. Sofia at 5:00 PM, with a procession to the Church of S. Giuseppe accompanied by the 'P. G. Cianci' Band. A Holy Mass will be held at 8:30 PM in the Parish of S. Sofia, followed by a procession of the Simulacro through the town streets, accompanied by the 'F. Ros' Band.