The patron of Vittoria is Saint John the Baptist, and his cult in the town grew after the Val di Noto earthquake of 1693: before then the co-patroness was Saint Rosalia, from 1624. That is why there are two feasts for the patron: 11 January, which recalls the earthquake, and the more heartfelt one between the end of June and the first week of July. The first Sunday of July is the town's holiday.
The great feast begins on 23 June. From the nearby towns people walk in pilgrimage to the basilica, where the dawn Mass is celebrated at 4.30; then the celebrations continue until noon, and the festivities go on until the first Saturday of July.
