Roccavaldina, Sicily Italy
Roman Catholic
The orignal church, probably dating from the Roman-Byzantine era, was weakened by earthquakes around 1400. Further earthquakes caused its complete ruin by 1500. It was slowly rebuilt and enlarged in the 16th century. The town's principle festival is for San Nicola on December 6. It began after a painting of the saint, now in the high altar, was brought from Palermo. Once during a terrible famine, the painting was carried in procession and the saint was invoked many times. A ship, filled with rice, came, bringing relief; the miracle was attributed to San Nicola. The feast now begins with a procession of the saint's statue all around the town.