Aspra Patronal Festival – Maria SS. Addolorata

Aspra Festival 2025

The 2025 edition of the festivities in honor of Maria SS. Addolorata in Aspra took place from September 6th to 21st, organized by the parish, the Confraternity of Maria SS. Addolorata, and the Municipality of Bagheria. The opening on Saturday, September 6th, featured the "Cugini La Licata" drummers' parade, the lighting of the illuminations in Piazza C. Colombo, and the Zecchino d'Oro show with Mago Plip's cabaret on the seafront.

On Sunday, September 7th, the evocative sea procession of the statue was held, while the evening Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Archbishop Corrado Lorefice. The following days included moments of prayer, the Solidarity Day on September 10th, musical evenings ("Atmosfera Blu", "Joline 9.0"), and traditional games: the Antinna a mari (September 12th and 14th) and the boat race dedicated to Leonardo Lo Coco.

On September 13th, the 11th edition of the Aspra Flower Festival was set up. The culmination was reached on Monday, September 15th, the patronal feast day, with the solemn celebration attended by authorities, the "masculiata" fireworks display, the solemn evening procession through the village streets, and fireworks at midnight. The festival concluded on September 21st with a solemn mass and the repositioning of the statue.

2025 Program (excerpt)

• Sat Sep 6: "Cugini La Licata" drummers (5:00 PM), illuminations (9:00 PM), Zecchino d'Oro show and Mago Plip cabaret (9:30 PM, seafront)
• Sun Sep 7: Sea procession of the statue (3:00 PM); Mass with Archbishop Corrado Lorefice (7:00 PM); "Mediterranea" tribute band (9:30 PM)
• Wed Sep 10: Solidarity Day, food collection
• Fri Sep 12: Boat race – I Leonardo Lo Coco Trophy; Antinna a mari; "Atmosfera Blu" show (9:30 PM)
• Sat Sep 13: 11th edition of the Aspra Flower Festival; "Joline 9.0" show (9:30 PM)
• Sun Sep 14: Boat race (II edition); Antinna a mari with tasting of local products (6:30 PM)
• Mon Sep 15: Feast day – Eucharistic celebrations, "masculiata" fireworks (12:30 PM), solemn procession (7:30 PM), midnight fireworks (Pirolandia)
• Sun Sep 21: Solemn mass and repositioning of the statue