Feast of Our Lady of Peace in Tremestieri Etneo

The event of feast of the Madonna della Pace in Tremestieri Etneo it is a religious and civil rite that has united the community with the Virgin for centuries. The bond is sanctioned with a festive spirit through liturgies and songs to invoke the help and protection of the Madonna against adversity.

Description of the Feast of the Madonna della Pace in Tremestieri Etneo

Tremestieri Etneo changes its face during the days of the Festival, the traditional lights dress the streets of the center and there is an atmosphere of joyful expectation. On the Wednesday, Thursday and Friday preceding the event, the faithful gather to participate in liturgical celebrations, defined as "Triduum of preparation", which represent the beginning of Feast of the Madonna.

The previous Saturday the three parish communities of the town - Centro, Piano and Immacolata - the civil and military associations and authorities bring flowers and wax on pilgrimage to the Virgin, as a symbol of their devotion. The statue, made of seventeenth-century wood, is housed in a "vara", a Sicilian term indicating a triumphal chariot where paintings and statues of saints are placed to be carried in procession. The simulacrum of the Madonna in this phase of the Festival is revealed to the faithful.

On Sunday, after the liturgical celebrations, the Patron saint of Tremestieri Etneo it is carried in procession by devotees through the streets of the town. The band plays in the city streets and a fireworks display is organised. At the conclusion of the procession in the churchyard of the Mother Church, the "Cantata" is performed in honor of Our Lady of Peace and the following Monday, liturgies and choirs are repeated before the deposition of the simulacrum.

The history of the Feast of the Madonna della Pace in Tremestieri Etneo

The history of the event is very ancient and has linked the community of Tremestieri Etneo to the Virgin of Peace since the seventeenth century. The frequent calamities due to the eruptions of Etna, earthquakes and epidemics have strengthened the religious faith of the inhabitants of the town who have always turned to the Madonna for her protection.

In the past, the statue was carried in procession throughout the city, even on country roads and every street and square had its own altar dedicated to the Virgin. Today, however, the Festival involves only the streets of the center and the tabernacles that have stood the test of time are few. However, the event is still felt by the inhabitants and there are many emigrants who return to the town every year to pay homage to the Virgin.

When the Feast of the Madonna della Pace takes place in Tremestieri Etneo

The Festival takes place there first Sunday after Easter and ends the following Monday. Since the previous Wednesday, however, the community has already participated in liturgies and rites to prepare for the event.

Where the Feast of the Madonna della Pace takes place in Tremestieri Etneo

The Feast of Our Lady of Peace takes place in Tremestieri Etneo, a small town located between Etna and Catania. The procession of the statue of the Madonna begins in Mother Church and travels along Via Roma, Via Marconi, Via Orlando and Via Trieste before returning to the Church from which it started.

What to do during the Feast of Our Lady of Peace

The fireworks display is the most joyful aspect of the event, but there are also stalls with sweets and itinerant vendors of "calia", a mixture of toasted chickpeas and seeds, which crowd the town. A walk through the streets of the center is an opportunity to visit the Chiesa dell'Immacolata and that of the Madonna of Idria, both from the XNUMXth century. The agricultural areas of Tremestieri Etneo still preserve the ancient millstones, a trace of the area's wine-growing past. The main characteristic of the town is the proximity of theEtna. THE volcano excursions they are only possible when there are no eruptions and it is recommended to be accompanied by expert guides.

How to get to Tremestieri Etneo to attend the event, the roads to follow

By car:, from Catania take via Etnea towards the inside of the city. Continue on via Battista Grassi towards Via Pietra dell'Ova in Canalicchio, then take Via Madonna di Fatima towards Sant'Agata li Battiati. At the roundabout, take via Scala di Betta which is the first exit on the SP42, and continue up to via Cavour. Continue north on via Marconi and then on via Roma where the Mother Church of Tremestieri Etneo is located.