La processione del ventuno d'agosto

Religious manifestations produce excitement,  outpouring of religious fervor, s great deal of superstition and a great excuse to party. This very long procession, in honor of the Patron Saint of Castellammare del Golfo, la Madonna del Soccorso [The Madonna of Succor] is celebrated on the last day of the three days long feast that  also includes a sea procession on the first day. It culminates with a magnificent fire works show on the water. The feature in this procession is that the participants walk in front of the statue; the cart is squarely before the horse. Nevertheless, it creates a memorable display of outpouring and the whole environment that is created sort of pulls you in and makes you a participant.