Feast of the Madonna del Piano in Grammichele

grammichele, Val di Noto, Metropolitan City of Catania, in southern Sicily: here the summer ends with great celebrations and the entire month of September is dedicated with devotion to Madonna of the Piano.

Solemn masses, processions, thanksgiving lunches are some of the most important events during religious celebrations; the faithful go on a pilgrimage to the Sanctuary, which is located on Piano Croce.
On the occasion of Feast of the Madonna del Piano in Grammichele, the faithful sing and pray together, participate in the Procession barefoot, carry the effigy of the Madonna to the top of the Piano. Among the different ones nocturnal processions that take place in the town, the most famous is undoubtedly that of ladies, twelve or more in number, who in doing so thank the Madonna for the graces received. At the end of this procession the girls, who they wear ancient local jewelry, they sit at the table for a lunch with which they intend to thank the Virgin once again.

The history of the Feast of the Madonna del Piano in Grammichele

The Feast of the Madonna del Piano in Grammichele is an anniversary particularly felt by the population, who devoutly wish to thank the Madonna every new year.

Il Sanctuary of the Madonna del Piano it is located on a hill, right near the ancient Occhiolà, the town destroyed by the 1693 earthquake from whose ashes Grammichele originated. The religious festival, strongly loved by the faithful, meets tradition and folklore, in conjunction with the Sausage Festival, celebration of the local product par excellence, culminating in the union between the sacred and the profane in the town.

The tradition of the religious festival is ancient and is a symbol of faith and hope.

When the Feast of the Madonna del Piano takes place in Grammichele

The Feast of the Madonna del Piano in Grammichele is an event which is celebrated onSeptember 8th, but on the occasion of the religious celebration, throughout the month the town is in fervor: days of prayer, processions and celebrations take place starting from the first days of September and even after the official date of the celebration.

Where the Feast of the Madonna del Piano takes place in Grammichele

The festival takes place at Sanctuary of the Madonna del Piano, in the locality of Piano Croce, about 5 km from the town. The road that connects the village to the Sanctuary constitutes the pilgrimage route.

What to do during the Feast of the Madonna del Piano in Grammichele

Participating in the Feast of the Madonna del Piano in Grammichele is one of the best ways to totally immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the town, seeing live the devotion and joy of the faithful who thank the Madonna. Participating is fun and regenerating for the spirit, furthermore by organizing a stay in Grammichele on the occasion of the Festival, it will also be possible to participate in the Sausage Festival, to taste all the local flavours.

In Grammichele, the town famous throughout the world for its hexagonal square, the heart of the village is Piazza Carlo Maria Carafa, with the statue of the country's founding prince, the Mother Church and Town Hall, all attractions not to be missed for those arriving in Grammichele on the occasion of the Feast of the Madonna del Piano.

In the surrounding area, you will also find other towns to visit, such as Vizzini or Licodia Eubea, while with an hour's drive you will reach Catania.

Another thing to do in Grammichele is to book a table at the restaurant, to taste the local flavours: aubergine caponata, beans with mint and prickly pears in Marsala, or ricotta meatballs, tuna with ragout and sweet and sour pumpkin are among the most famous dishes of Catania cuisine; for dessert, try cassata and cannoli of course, but also almond paste or sweet couscous.

How to get to the Madonna del Piano Festival in Grammichele

Grammichele, in the Metropolitan City of Catania, can be easily reached by car and on the train. The closest railway station to the town is Ragusa, which is about 33 km from the centre; connections are made by buses and shuttles.

If you prefer to travel instead by car, from Catania you will be in Grammichele in about an hour's journey, via the SS 417 and the SS 385, while from Palermo the journey takes about 3 hours, passing through the A19 and the E932.