Sant'antonino
An ancient fraction miraculously saved
Hello everyone! Today I'll tell you about Sant'Antonino, a small fraction of the municipality of Mascali, in the province of Catania. Did you know that this fraction is the only remnant of the ancient city of Mascali? Yes, because the city was buried by the lava flow of 1928 except for Sant'Antonino, which was miraculously spared. After reconstruction, Sant'Antonino became a separate fraction and became the "Mother Church" for all mascalesi.
Monuments and places of interest
Religious architecture
If you are passionate about religious architecture, Sant'Antonino has a lot to offer. The Church of Jesus and Mary, dating back to the eighteenth century, is one of the main attractions of the fraction. The church, located in Sant'Antonino, has a particularly interesting lava stone portal, an eighteenth-century canvas of the meeting of Jesus with Mary on the way of the cross, and a bell tower built after the 1928 lava eruption, as a sign of gratitude for the saved danger from the lava river. In addition, the church houses the simulacrum of the Immaculate and Saint Leonard.
Culture
Traditions and Folklore
If you are in Sant'Antonino on November 9th, do not miss the festival for the patron saint Saint Anthony of Padua, during which the saint is thanked for the salvation from the eruption of Mount Etna in 1928. But the real festival of the patron saint takes place every year on the Sunday following June 13th, attended by many faithful from many nearby countries. If you are lucky enough to be there, you can enjoy processions, traditional music, and delicious food.
In conclusion, Sant'Antonino is a hidden gem of Sicily that is worth visiting. Its history, religious architecture, and the festival of the patron saint make it a magical and unforgettable place. We can't wait to visit this beautiful fraction!
