Among Villanova del Battista's characteristic events is the Tiro del Giglio (pulling of the Lily), held every year on 27 August: a characteristic obelisk erected in honour of the patron saint, San Giovanni Battista (Saint John the Baptist), celebrated on 29 August, is dragged with ropes, with the help of a tractor, from where it was built to the square.
Before 1930 two obelisks were made: one with 'gràlito' (wild oats), about 25 metres high and with 9 levels, and a smaller one with wheat; the tradition was interrupted in 1930, after the earthquake of 23 July. On 16 August a 6 km pilgrimage on foot, in honour of San Rocco, reaches the Chiesa madre di Santa Maria Assunta e San Nicola at Flumeri.
