01/09/2026
Every September, Palermo turns its gaze towards Mount Pellegrino to celebrate Santa Rosalia.
During the night between 3 and 4 September, pilgrims leave the city behind and follow an ancient path up Monte Pellegrino, walking from its foothills to the Sanctuary dedicated to the city’s patron saint.
The route extends for approximately four kilometres. Along the way, the darkness is punctuated by candles, quiet prayers and voices singing together. At the summit, the sanctuary emerges from the rock as the final destination of a journey that is both physical and deeply personal.
Unlike Palermo’s spectacular July "Festino di Santa Rosalia", the September celebration has a more intimate character. It coincides with Santa Rosalia’s liturgical feast on 4 September and reveals the quieter, devotional bond between Palermo and the saint affectionately known as the Santuzza.
For travellers visiting Palermo at this time of year, joining the climb offers rare access to a living tradition: not a performance created for visitors, but an authentic expression of the city and its people.
Discover Sicily through the rituals, stories and encounters that give the island its deepest meaning. 🔗 Start your consult at justsicily.it