Feast of San Biagio

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For centuries, the community of San Piero Patti has relied on the protection of San Biagio, bishop and one of the first martyrs of the Christian church, elected co-patron saint of the town.
According to some historical sources, the cult of St. Blaise spread to St. Peter towards the end of the fifth century through missionaries linked to the work of Christianization carried out by St. Pancras, bishop of Taormina.
A relic of the saint was brought to San Piero: a molar tooth, now enclosed in a silver case and kept in the Church of Santa Maria Assunta.
During the festival, a long-awaited market fair takes place in the main streets of the town.
It is a much larger market than those usually found in neighboring countries on similar occasions.
It is one of the traditions of the feast in San Piero Patti.
Until a few decades ago, San Biagio was the time when the summer season was definitively said goodbye and prepared for the harshness of winter.
The proceeds from the hazelnut harvest, the main engine of the cobblestone economy, were partly reinvested to buy everything that would be needed to face the cold season.
Among other things, there were many objects sold by street vendors that could not be commonly found in shops.
Today this function has been lost, but the fair is still a particular attraction with dozens of exhibitors.
During the day of celebration, some associations also usually organize games, attractions or set up information points on their activities.
In recent years, some local artisans have revived their typical productions and in the square it is possible to admire handmade objects, the result of ancient techniques.