What is the San Rocco Festival?
What is the San Rocco Festival?
A three-day religious celebration held annually in August that includes a festival, church service, family procession, and traditional Italian Tarantella, the “baby doll dance.” It honors San Rocco, born into a wealthy French family in the 14th century, who distributed his wealth among the poor, took a vow of poverty.
What is St Rocco known for?
Roch or Rocco (lived c. 1348 – 15/16 August 1376/79 (traditionally c. 1295 – 16 August 1327) is a Catholic saint, a confessor whose death is commemorated on 16 August and 9 September in Italy; he is especially invoked against the plague. He is the patron saint of Dolo (near Venice) and Parma.
Why is St Christopher no longer a saint?
Among Catholicism’s most popular saints, Christopher was listed as a martyr. Legend had it he carried a child who grew increasingly heavy across a river — the child was supposed to be carrying the weight of God. But there wasn’t enough historical evidence the man ever existed, so Pope Paul VI dropped him.
Which saint is for strength?
Saint Christopher
Who is Saint Christopher? Saint Christopher is the patron saint of strength. He’s portrayed as an extremely tall man, with a prodigious build and jaw-dropping physical stature.
Who is the saint of travelers?
Saint Christopher is the patron saint of travellers, including motorists, who sometimes hang a small image of him in their vehicle for luck. According to legend, he was crossing a river when a child asked to be carried across.
Who are the Angels in the San Rocco procession?
We are seeking children to participate in the San Rocco Procession Sunday morning: communion boys and girls, children for angels, flag and banner carriers. Adult drivers are also needed. Would you and your family like to be a part of our great tradition? There are many areas your help is of value.
Where does the San Rocco Festa take place?
The tradition of the San Rocco Festa was brought to the Aliquippa area by immigrants from Patrica, Italy, where St. Rocco is the patron saint. They settled primarily in the Plan 11 section of Aliquippa, where the original Festa began in 1925. This year we mark our 94th celebration continuing the tradition of our forefathers.
When is Saint Rocco’s feast day in Italy?
Twice a year, once on August 16 and again on September 16, pilgrims from throughout Southern Italy flock to the Santuario di San Rocco in Tolve, a comune in Potenza, Basilicata.
How did Saint Rocco get out of prison?
Miraculously, a spring arose near his hut to provide him with water, and a local dog began bringing him bread to eat. The dog would also lick his wounds clean, eventually healing him. He returned to Montpellier looking like a wild man with unkempt hair and a long beard. Unrecognized by the townspeople, he was thrown in prison as a spy.
