Feast of the Madonna della Candelora in Villafranca Tirrena

La feast of the Madonna della Candelora in Villafranca Tirrena is the celebration that every year is dedicated to Patron saint of this small village in province of Messina.

It is a very ancient rite, which every year attracts many faithful, especially those who were born in Villafranca Tirrena but who had to emigrate for work but don't want to miss an appointment with their patroness.
For the suggestion of rituals, however, it is an event that conquers anyone: here's what it consists of and how to take part in it.

Description of the feast of the Madonna della Candelora in Villafranca Tirrena

The feast of the Madonna della Candelora in Villafranca Tirrena is a very heartfelt event, which is organized to give thanks to the patron saint of the village. The Candlemas name derives from the fact that during this celebration the Candles which will then be used during the year by the faithful who want to honor the Madonna or ask for her protection.
It is a very ancient festival, which over the centuries however has begun to mix both the more religious part and the one linked to folklore in a skilful balance.
So, next to the procession leading through the streets of the city simulacrum of the Immaculate Conception, there are the food and wine stand where you can try the best specialties of the local culinary tradition.

The story linked to the feast of the Madonna della Candelora in Villafranca Tirrena

There is no precise news of when the celebrations for the feast of the Madonna della Candelora in Villafranca Tirrena began in Villafranca Tirrena, however the custom of bless the candles is a seeds which has very ancient origins.

The Virgin Mary, after giving birth to Jesus, performed a rite of purification that was prescribed by the laws of Moses. In honor of this episode, the custom of blessing candles was born in ancient times, a rite which initially only concerned the Eastern world but which from the XNUMXth century AD was also adopted by the Romans. In many Italian countries and beyond, the custom remains to recall the episode of Mary and the purification through the staging of Candelora.

Una legend in vogue among fishermen, it says that candles blessed during Candlemas have the power to help find sailors who have disappeared at sea.

When the event of the Madonna della Candelora takes place in Villafranca Tirrena

La feast of the Madonna in Villafranca Tirrena is held annually on 2 February.

Where the feast of the Madonna della Candelora takes place in Villafranca Tirrena

The festivity involves the entire village, given that an integral part of the ritual is that of the procession of the statue of the Madonna.
However obviously the main activities, such as the blessing of the candles, take place inside and outside the Church of the Madonna dei Cerei.

What to do during the feast of the Madonna della Candelora in Villafranca Tirrena

The celebration of the feast of the Madonna della Candelora in Villafranca Tirrena includes two very important moments which are those of the blessing of the candles and the procession of the statue of the Madonna.
There is no shortage of more folkloric events on the sidelines of the religious part. Those who go to Villafranca Tirrena to take part in the feast of the Madonna della Candelora can take advantage of the opportunity to discover the most interesting glimpses of the village.
To see the Our Lady of Lourdes Church, which is a creation of the eighteenth century. Then there is the Mother Church dedicated to San Nicolò di Bari, which is a structure built in the early nineteenth century.

How to get to Villafranca Tirrena

Those who wish to reach the village to take part in the feast of the Madonna della Candelora in Villafranca Tirrena, if they come from Catania will be able to travel by car the A18 to your destination. From Messina, on the other hand, the way to go is the A20 followed by the E90, the same road must also be taken from Palermo. From Syracuse, on the other hand, it is only necessary to take the E45.

Who prefers as a means of transport the train, can use the Villafranca Tirrena-Saponara station which is located on the axis that connects Messina to Palermo. From the main Sicilian cities it is then possible to move with the local bus lines which are made by the AST company.