Feast of St. Anne in Staiti (RC)

On July 26, the entire town gathers around the venerated statue of Saint Anne, which is carried in a solemn procession from the Mother Church to the church dedicated to her. It is the community’s most important festival and also brings home the many who have emigrated. The festival concludes with the traditional “Ballo du sceccu” (the donkey dance: a papier-mâché puppet stuffed with fireworks) and a grand fireworks display that lights up the ancient village. In the days leading up to the festival: rosaries, novenas, and Masses; the traditional parade of drummers through the town’s streets; processions with the marching band, performances, and games. These events bring together young and old alike and celebrate a culture dating back a thousand years. (mcl)