The most important event in Castelbuono's entire calendar — a week of profound religious devotion, historical pageantry, music, food and fireworks that brings the entire town together.

Sant'Anna — Saint Anne, mother of the Virgin Mary — is the patron saint of Castelbuono, and every July the town celebrates her with an intensity and devotion that must be witnessed to be understood. This is not merely a festival. It is the beating heart of Castelbuono's identity.

The celebrations begin on 16th July with an opening concert and build through a nine-day Novena — each evening a life-size statue of the saint is carried in procession through the narrow, winding streets of the town's various quarters, accompanied by the faithful, the bands and the glow of traditional illuminations. Wikipedia

The festival traces its origins to 1615, when Prince Giovanni III Ventimiglia returned to Castelbuono bearing the sacred relic of Sant'Anna — an event commemorated every year with the spectacular Corteo delle Chiavi: a full historical re-enactment in period costume, with lancers on horseback, the Ventimiglia guards, flag-throwers and delegations from neighbouring towns, culminating in the symbolic handing of the city keys to the Prince. Wikipedia

The focal date is 25th July — the feast day itself — when the Sacred Skull of Sant'Anna is exposed for veneration in the Palatine Chapel of the Ventimiglia Castle, preceded by the solemn Hymn to Sant'Anna performed by soloists, choir and band. The atmosphere in the castle courtyard at this moment is extraordinarily moving.

On 26th July, the Giro Podistico Internazionale — one of Europe's oldest road races, now in its 100th edition — takes place through the medieval streets, broadcast live on RAI Sport. The combination of the patron saint festival and the centenary race makes 2026 a truly exceptional year.

The festival reaches its emotional climax on 27th July with the solemn evening procession of the Sacred Skull, accompanied by the relics of Beato Guglielmo and the statue of the Madonna del Rosario, carried through the streets by eight religious confraternities in their traditional dark robes. The procession winds through the entire town before returning to the castle at midnight — followed by a spectacular fireworks display that lights up the Madonie sky. 🎆

Free to attend. The town fills quickly — early accommodation booking is strongly recommended.

Event information is provided in good faith but may be subject to change. We recommend checking with official sources before travelling.