The Fiesta of Saint George 23rd of April

The veneration of the saint is very old.
In Modica, the cult began around 1090 when Count Roger de Hauteville, victorious over the Saracens, erected on the ruins of a church dedicated to Holy Cross, the first temple in honor of the Holy Martyr, which had appeared during the battle to fight his side.

The striking image of this saint was duly represented by the determination with which the carriers with the cry "evviva San Giorgio" (Long live Saint George) move the statue along the steep slopes leading to the upper town.

The entrance to the church of the statue when in the evening, is the most impressive of the procession, the carriers that carry the statue begin to make "runs", the frantic race with the Holy One on their shoulders, encouraged by the cries of the faithful "Gioggiu, Gioggiu" (George,George).
Tradition has it that as many laps as they can make the Holy year will be even more favorable to Modica and its habitants.
In the main street in front of the church the are many market stands, refreshments and at the end of the fiesta there are impressive fireworks display .