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Primu Diu e Sammastianu!
Photos by New York Scugnizzo
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By Giovanni di Napoli
I made my way to Middletown, Connecticut this weekend for the 92nd Annual Saint Sebastian Feast. Invited by a friend, I jumped at the opportunity to finally partake in this wonderful tradition.
Arriving early, we had the opportunity to explore Saint Sebastian Church and mingle with some locals before Mass. Beautifully decorated, the church was heavily influenced by the Baroque design of the Basilica San Sebastiano in Melilli, Sicily.
Curious about the origins of the Feast, I learned that in 1414 a galley arriving from the Adriatic was shipwrecked by a terrible storm at Magnisi, a peninsula in the Province of Siracusa. Miraculously, none of the passengers were harmed. This blessing was attributed to Saint Sebastian because his statue was part of ship's cargo and safely washed up on shore. News of the miracle spread and the Bishop of Siracusa lead a procession to the location to retrieve the statue. However, no matter how hard they tried the saint would not budge. Many wanted the prize, but only when the people of Melilli attempted the feat the statue allowed itself to be moved. With great pride they returned to their hometown with their beloved patron.
Mass culminated with the I Nuri (barefooted devotees dressed in white with red sashes) entering the church fervently proclaiming their devotion to God and San Sebastiano. "First God, then St. Sebastian," they cried. The litter bearing the saint was covered with flowers and carried out of the church to the expectant crowd.
With great revelry and fanfare the procession wended its way through the parish, greeted by the faithful along the way. Upon return, the Saint was brought back into the church where celebrants distributed the flowers for luck. Afterward, the festivities spilled out onto the church grounds where a fantastic festival was held. There was plenty of good music, delicious food, and fun rides and games. The rain didn't dampen any spirits.
Next year marks the 600th anniversary of the Feast and a contingent from Middletown is planning a trip to Sicily to participate in the historic celebration.
Viva San Sebastiano!
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The procession leaves the church
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The I Nuri make their way through Middletown
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Another look at the I Nuri
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Tradition is passed from father to son
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This cutie was a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day
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The clergy welcome back the procession
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A close up of San Sebastiano
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A look inside beautiful Saint Sebastian Church
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The Martyrdom of Saint Sebastian on the nave ceiling
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Donations are pinned to the statue
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Stained glass window in the church foyer
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A statuette of San Sebastiano
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Monument to Catholic war veterans
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You know you're in the right place when Tony Andriola of Anne Marie's Concessions is there. For over twenty years "Tony Torrone" has been selling his toothsome nougat and confections at Italian festivals all over the East Coast
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There was no shortage of delicious Sicilian delicacies to choose from, but my favorite was the arancini
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A traditional carrettu sicilianu (Sicilian cart) was on display
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Detail of the carrettu showing a battle between the Normans and Saracens
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