The patron of Lacco Ameno is Saint Restituta, celebrated on 17 May: from 16 to 18 May each year, the basilica dedicated to her holds solemn festivities in memory of the miraculous event. In March 2001, Pope John Paul II raised it to the dignity of a minor basilica.
Traditionally, the feast of Saint Restituta was the occasion when engaged couples made their public appearance: young women of marrying age, known in island dialect as «zitegghie», gave a gift to the young man, called «schioso», who reciprocated by accompanying them to the feast of the island's patron. A popular saying goes: «A Pasche senza canaste, a santa Restetute appappa mosche».
