The celebrations for the city’s patron saint are preceded by thirteen days of preparation, including prayers and religious activities.
The feast officially begins five days before the 13th of December, St. Lucy’s Day, starting with the opening of the niche that houses the simulacrum, kept in the chapel of Santa Lucia inside the Cathedral.
The procession takes place on 13th December, during which worshippers carry the Saint’s simulacrum on their shoulders.
Among fireworks, shouting and applause, the crowd shouts in unison: “Viva Santa Lucia!” (Long Live St. Lucy) and the bells ring.
