One of the most important festivals in the Sicilian capital is undoubtedly the Festa di Santa Rosalia, more commonly known as O Fistinu. From 10 to 15 July, the soul of Palermo, Rosalia, is celebrated. Beloved by the citizens, the patron saint is famous for having defeated a terrible plague epidemic with a miracle. Tradition has it that the ‘Santuzza’, back in 1624, appeared in a dream to a hunter, showing him the exact spot where her remains lay. As soon as they were carried in procession, Palermo was reborn, leaving the terrible disease behind. Since then, every year on 14 July, a float carrying the saint’s statue is followed by a long, tireless procession of devotees along the road from Palazzo dei Normanni to Foro Italico. On 15 July, the celebrations end with beautiful and colourful fireworks. During this heartfelt religious event, Palermo’s families enjoy preparing – and eating – some traditional Sicilian dishes, such as boiled octopus, pasta with sardines and babbalucci, boiled snails with parsley and garlic.