The patron of San Fratello is Saint Philadelphus, celebrated on 10 May together with his brothers Alphius and Cyrinus, the three saints martyred in 253. The town's own name comes from his: Philadelphus in Greek means «he who loves his brother», and from San Filadelfo to San Fratello the step was a short one.
The three are the dedicatees of the sanctuary on Monte Vecchio, Norman in style, founded around 1090 on the remains of the old church of Santa Maria Palatiorum — itself built with material from a Greek temple. Up there arrives the cavalcade that sets off from the town, largely on San Fratello horses. The other strong tradition is that of the Giudei, who on the Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of Holy Week roam the village blowing trumpets, in a 19th-century yellow and red tunic embroidered with beads, a decorated helmet and gloves.
