Feast of Our Lady of Grace in Ventimiglia of Sicily

La Feast of Maria Santissima delle Grazie in Ventimiglia of Sicily it is a religious festival, but also much, much more: functions and music, shows in the square and a large procession through the main streets of the town are the most important activities that characterize this festival.
In Ventimiglia di Sicilia, a small town in the Metropolitan City of Palermo, the Our Lady of Grace we celebrate big.

It all begins with the fortnight, in the month of August: the faithful prepare for a long time for the Procession which, at the culmination of the Festival, will bring the painting of the Madonna up to the little one Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, recalling the ancient history of the painting and of the Church itself. Then the painting is brought back to the Mother Church, with a second Procession.

In the Church we attend solemn Masses, we pray, the Rosary is recited, while the faithful from neighboring villages arrive in pilgrimage: someone barefoot, someone with a candle, everyone takes part in the Feast of Maria SS delle Grazie in Ventimiglia of Sicily. When it is not time for Mass, the faithful enjoy themselves in the open air, with shows in the square and with thegreasy tree.

The history of the Feast of the Madonna delle Grazie in Ventimiglia di Sicilia

The history of the Feast of the Madonna delle Grazie in Ventimiglia di Sicilia is closely linked to history of the painting of the Madonna, the one that is still carried by the faithful in procession today; tradition has it that the painting of the Madonna delle Grazie was found right at the time of the foundation of Ventimiglia di Sicilia: it was there Princess Beatrice Ventimiglia to spot a distant light in the dark and that's how the painting was found and brought a Palazzo, in what is now the Church of San Vito. But the following evening, the painting had disappeared from the Church, to reappear in the distance to the princess, in the darkness among the rocks. After two more appearances, the princess realized that it was Our Lady who sent her a message, desiring that a church be built in that very place in her honor. Thus it was that the Church of Santa Maria della Grazia. From here, the Madonna watches over Ventimiglia of Sicily and her faithful devotees celebrate her feast every year in her honor.

When the Feast of the Madonna delle Grazie takes place in Ventimiglia di Sicilia

The Feast of Maria SS delle Grazie in Ventimiglia di Sicilia takes place every year from1 16 to August.

Where the Feast of Maria Santissima delle Grazie takes place in Ventimiglia di Sicilia

The Festival takes place in Ventimiglia di Sicilia, at the Mother Church and the Church of Santa Maria della Grazia, as well as the main streets of the town, where the Procession winds its way.

What to do during the Feast of Maria Santissima delle Grazie in Ventimiglia di Sicilia

The Feast of Maria SS delle Grazie in Ventimiglia di Sicilia invites you to discover the village and its traditions: follow the Procession, attend the functions, admire the artistic beauties of the Mother Church and the Church of Santa Maria della Grazia. There Church of the Immaculate Conception was founded in 1628 and next to the building there are also the Oratories of the SS. Sacramento and of the SS. Rosary. Also, by visiting the Church of San Vito, you can admire theancient chapel of Palazzo Ventimiglia, right where the princess resided.

Stay in the centre, in the town which is part of the Pizzo Cane, Pizzo Trigna and Grotta Mazzamuto Oriented Nature Reserve, where nature is the most fascinating spectacle you will meet. Do not forget, however, that the village has ancient origins and therefore walking through the streets of Old Town and in the surrounding area, you can visit the ancient ruins of the XNUMXth century Castle. Visit the Mountain Museumfinally, it is one of the most interesting cultural activities to be carried out in the town, to discover everything about the environment that surrounds Ventimiglia di Sicilia.

The culture in Sicily is also the gastronomic one and then, here is the typical dessert for excellence Ventimiglia di SiciliaI sursameli, soft biscuits, prepared with almond paste and decorated with a tasty candied cherry, to taste during your stay in the village.

How is it possible to get to the Feast of the Madonna delle Grazie in Ventimiglia di Sicilia

Ventimiglia di Sicilia, in the Metropolitan City of Palermo, can be reached in the car, from the Trabia exit 10 km from the centre, via the A19 Palermo-Catania, or on the train, getting off at Trabia Station and continuing the journey by bus or shuttle.