the annual celebration of their beloved patron saint

The festival called "festino" is held on July 14th and 15th every year.
The festival is named after the patron saint of Palermo ,Saint Rosalia,.
Saint Rosalia was born of a wealthy Norman family in Palermo in 1130. she retired to life as a hermit in a cave on Mount Pellegrino, where she died alone in 1166. In 1624 when the plague infested Palermo, the Saint appeared and guided a hunter to the cave where her remains were to be found and suggested that he brings her bones to the city and carry them around in a procession. The Sanitize- the little Saint- miraculously saved the people of Palermo and since then Rosalia was venerated as Saint Rosalie and as the patron of the city.
Today the festival also celebrates Italian heritage with a traditional bocci ball competition, Italian music and food, and an arts and crafts fair. Mark your calendars now to attend this year's gathering for three days of Italian cuisine, music, dancing, fun and friendship.