Events Modica 2026
Modica is a vibrant city year-round. From patron saint festivals that draw tens of thousands of people to summer concerts in Marina di Modica, and the renowned ChocoModica in autumn. Here is the calendar of major events for 2026.
Easter — Madonna Vasa Vasa
Modica's most attended festival. Two processions depart from the Church of Santa Maria di Betlem carrying the simulacra of the Risen Christ and the Madonna (covered by a black veil). At noon, the two statues meet in Piazza Monumento: the Madonna drops her veil, opens her arms, and embraces her Son. This is the traditional "vasata" (kiss), accompanied by white doves flying and the music of the Banda Belluardo-Risadelli. The ritual is repeated in Piazza San Giorgio and at the entrance to Santa Maria di Betlem.
In 2026, the tenth anniversary of the evening procession (established in 2016) will also be celebrated. The 7:00 PM Mass will be presided over by the Bishop of Noto, followed by the night procession towards the Sanctuary of the Madonna delle Grazie. The "Martedì dell'Itria" (Tuesday, April 7) extends the festivities with cavatelli banquets and the "Sotto 90" game.
Feast of Saint George — Patron Saint
Saint George has been the patron saint of Modica since 1063, when Count Roger defeated the Muslims at Cerami after the saint appeared to him in a dream. On Sunday afternoon, the simulacrum — a knight slaying a dragon — exits the Duomo amidst fireworks and colorful flyers. The "Sangiorgiari" carry the statue on their shoulders at a brisk pace, simulating the horse's gallop. In the evening, the statue is returned to the church with traditional circuits through the naves.
On Saturday morning, 23 cannon shots announce the start of the celebrations. The day before, children carry a smaller replica of the simulacrum in procession through the streets of Modica Alta.
Feast of Our Lady of Graces — Patron Saint of Modica
The feast of Our Lady of Graces is one of the most heartfelt in Modica — a celebration where the spiritual dimension prevails over the folkloric. Festivities begin as early as April 30 and reach their peak on the third Sunday of May.
At dawn, barefoot devotees — known as the Scausi (the barefoot ones) — begin a long pilgrimage to the Sanctuary for the first Mass at 6:00 AM, among a large crowd that gathers despite the unusual hour. The pilgrimage only concludes late at night, upon the procession's return.
The procession of the simulacrum travels along Via Mercè, Corso Umberto, Vittorio Veneto, and Viale Medaglie d'Oro, returning to the Sanctuary to the sound of fireworks offered by the Municipality. Balconies are illuminated and adorned with flowers to welcome the Madonna's passage. Upon returning to the church, the simulacrum is moved back and forth three times on the large parvis.
Origins: The devotion dates back to the miraculous event of May 4, 1615, when an slate tablet depicting the Madonna and Child was found intact — it had been burning incessantly for three days in a thorn bush without being consumed. The Sanctuary was built where the precious tablet is still venerated today.
Feast of Saint Peter — Co-Patron Saint
On June 29, the evening procession of the simulacrum of Saint Peter — a work by Palermo's Benedetto Civiletti (1893), depicting the miracle of healing the paralytic — winds through the historic center illuminated by thousands of torches. The imposing statue requires the voluntary effort of dozens of devotees.
The San Pietro Fair is the most anticipated aspect: for the last three days of June, stalls flood the historic center, with Viale Medaglie d'Oro transformed into a river of people. Local crafts, street food, colors, and traditions.
Modica Rock Fest — May 1, 2026
On May 1, Modica turns up the volume with the #ModicaRockFest 2026: 12 non-stop hours of live music, DJ sets, burlesque, bikers' games, street food, and beer. Emerging bands and established groups alternate on stage — VöRA, Trincee d'Asfalto, Mobslay, Shut The Radio, Dodicesima Nota, Frijda, and others. Admission is completely free.
Modica Summer
Every summer, Modica offers a rich calendar of events in Marina di Modica and the historic center: concerts at the Auditorium Mediterraneo, theater performances, open-air cinema, musical evenings in the squares, night walks through the alleys ("Lune d'Oriente"), foam parties on the beach, and the Tarantarneo (Festival of Taranta).
Our Lady of Graces is celebrated on the third Sunday of May with a pilgrimage to the sanctuary. On Ferragosto (August 15), special events are held in Marina di Modica.
ChocoModica — Chocolate Festival
The festival dedicated to Modica IGP chocolate transforms the historic center into a stage of flavors: food stands, tastings, workshops for adults and children, conferences on the history of chocolate, shows, and entertainment. The historic buildings and Baroque squares provide the backdrop for the most delicious event of the Sicilian autumn.
Modica IGP chocolate is processed cold according to the Aztec recipe, with sugar crystals that give it its characteristic grittiness. The traditional flavors — cinnamon, vanilla, chili pepper, citrus, carob — are joined each year by new experiments from local chocolatiers.
Garibaldi Theater — 2025/2026 Season
The Garibaldi Theater, an 18th-century gem in the heart of Modica with Piero Guccione's famous roundel on the ceiling, hosts a season rich in events. The 2025/2026 drama and music program continues until June with performances in double shows.
Upcoming confirmed events
Sardinian trumpeter Paolo Fresu and Rino Cirinnà present a sound journey through the Mediterranean islands, a tribute to Miles Davis's "Sketches of Spain." A project born from Insulæ Lab that transforms the theater into a sound map.
Simona Molinari, one of the most refined voices in Italian jazz, in concert with Tony Canto. An event outside the subscription.
The Orchestra of the Teatro Massimo Bellini of Catania visits Modica for a symphonic concert. A highly prestigious event in the music season.
A brilliant comedy in double shows, part of the drama season that brought titles like "Perfetti sconosciuti," Molière's "L'Avaro," and "Moby Dick" to Modica.
Stefano Massini, author of the award-winning "Lehman Trilogy," brings his latest work to Modica. Double show.
A second concert with the Orchestra del Bellini, closing the 2025/2026 music season.
Info and tickets: fondazioneteatrogaribaldi.it — theater box office — ciaotickets.com. Prices: stalls and central boxes €27, side boxes €22, gallery €17.
Local Festivals and Fairs
Pilgrimage to the sanctuary and religious festival with procession. One of the most heartfelt devotions of the Modican community.
Fireworks on the beach, concerts, street food, and a party in Piazza Mediterraneo. The most attended summer event in the seaside district.
Christmas markets along Corso Umberto I, living nativity scenes in the historic districts of Modica Alta, Christmas concerts, and New Year's Eve at the Garibaldi Theater (traditional sell-out). Gospel Show on December 25.
Sources and Updates
The events on this page are collected from verified official sources: Fondazione Teatro Garibaldi (fondazioneteatrogaribaldi.it), Municipality of Modica, enjoysicilia.it, and official Facebook pages of the organizers. Dates are subject to change — always ask for confirmation from ModicaAI for events in the coming days.
Follow updates on: CosafareaModica (Facebook — the event portal for Modica, Marina di Modica, Frigintini, and Maganuco) and Modica Summer Fest (Facebook) for the summer program.
Summary Calendar 2026
Madonna Vasa Vasa — Easter Sunday
Feast of Saint George — Patron Saint of Modica
Modica Rock Fest — 12h of live music, free entry
Feast of Our Lady of Graces
Feast of Saint Peter + Fair (June 27-29)
Modica Summer — program under update
ChocoModica — IGP Chocolate Festival
Garibaldi Theater — Drama and music season (Fresu, Molinari, Bellini, Massini)
Living Nativity scenes, markets, New Year's Concert at the Garibaldi Theater
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