According to local faith, in 1624 she saved the city’s residents from a dreadful plague after her relics were found in Monte Pellegrino.

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    U Fistinu (the feast), starts on the 10th of July, but only during the night between 14-15 July reaches its peak. Thousands of people follow the parade led by a giant iron made chariot, from the Cathedral to the Foro Italico. Folklore and religion meet and explode into traditional fireworks, making you believe the sun is shining.

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    During the celebrations traditional dishes are served: pasta with sardines (la pasta chî sardi), babbaluci (boiled snails with garlic and parsley), sfincione (‘u sfinciuni), boiled octopus ( ‘u purpu), calia e simenza ( ‘u scacciu), boiled panicle (pullanca) and watermelon (detto ‘u muluni).