Celebrations in Honor of Maria SS. dei Miracoli
Ten days of faith, tradition, and entertainment for the Patron Saint of Alcamo
About Patronal Feast of Alcamo
Alcamo's most cherished festival
The Celebrations in honor of Maria SS. dei Miracoli are the most anticipated event of the year for Alcamo, a populous city in the wine-growing region of the Trapani province, in Sicily. Devotion to the Patron Saint is expressed through an elaborate program of celebrations which, for the 2026 edition, spans ten days, from June 12th to 21st, supported by the Municipality with an investment of over 250,000 euros. It is the occasion that unites the entire community: families, confraternities, associations, and numerous emigrants who return to the city specifically for these days.
The legend of 1547
The cult has its roots in 1547: according to tradition, on June 21st of that year, some women washing clothes by a stream were struck by stones from a nearby grove; those stones, instead of wounding, brought healing. Upon clearing the vegetation, a fresco depicting the Madonna and Child was found on a stone, initially called the "Madonna Fonte della Misericordia" and later Madonna dei Miracoli due to the numerous graces attributed to the Virgin. The 2026 edition marks the 479th anniversary of the discovery of the Sacred Image.
Between the sacred and the spectacular
The festival combines religious, civil, and folkloric dimensions. On the religious side, events include the solemn "calata" (descent) to the Sanctuary, Vespers presided over by the Bishop, the handing over of the City Keys to the Madonna, and the procession of the sacred statue through the city streets, accompanied by the sound of bells, firecrackers, and fireworks. Alongside this, a rich program of popular events: puppet theater and the medieval village at the Castello dei Conti di Modica with archers, crossbowmen, and period workshops, the dancing water and fire fountains show, sacred choirs, the Castellana di Alcamo competition, and the traditional multi-ethnic dinner in Piazza Ciullo.
A festival for the whole city
Artistic illuminations light up streets and squares, while the program alternates between moments dedicated to children, sporting events, and major concerts in Piazza della Repubblica. The celebrations are also broadcast live on television and via streaming, allowing those far away to follow the most solemn moments. It is an ideal opportunity to discover the historic center of Alcamo, its Basilica Maria SS. Assunta, and the identity of a community deeply tied to its Patron Saint.
Patronal Feast of Alcamo — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Celebrations in honor of Maria SS. dei Miracoli spans ten days, from June 12th to 21st, and celebrates the 479th anniversary of the discovery of the Sacred Image. The Municipality of Alcamo has allocated over 250,000 euros for a program that weaves together religious celebrations, cultural, musical, and sporting events, with artistic illuminations throughout the historic center.
Among the civil events, the "La Tavula è Trazzera" multi-ethnic dinner (fourth edition) in Piazza Ciullo stands out, along with a day dedicated to children, the "Castellana di Alcamo" competition, and the new dancing water and fire fountains at the Castello dei Conti di Modica. On the religious side, the festival culminates with the procession of the sacred statue and fireworks.
Programme Patronal Feast of Alcamo 2026
Ten days of festivities (June 12-21)
The program weaves together religious celebrations, cultural, musical, and sporting events, with artistic illuminations throughout the historic center.
Cultural and religious events
- June 13 and 18 — Puppet theater at the Castello dei Conti di Modica
- June 14 — Morning dedicated to children
- June 18 — "Mater Dei" Choir at the Mother Church
- June 18-19 — Medieval village at the Castello dei Conti di Modica with archers, crossbowmen, fencers, and period workshops (organized by "Gli arcieri del re di Palermo" and other historical associations)
- June 19 — Show about Jacopone da Todi at the Chiesa del Soccorso; first edition of the "Castellana di Alcamo" competition
Saturday, June 20
- "La Tavula è Trazzera" multi-ethnic dinner (4th edition) in Piazza Ciullo, from 7:00 PM
- Approx. 7:30 PM — "Calata" of the authorities to the Sanctuary and solemn Vespers presided over by the Bishop of Trapani, Msgr. Pietro Maria Fragnelli
- Dancing water and fire fountain show at the Castello dei Conti di Modica
- 10:00 PM — Concert by Clementino in Piazza della Repubblica
Sunday, June 21 — Patron Saint's Day
- Approx. 10:50 AM — Handing over of the City Keys to Maria SS. dei Miracoli at the Basilica Maria SS. Assunta
- Solemn Holy Mass presided over by the Bishop of Acireale, Msgr. Antonino Raspanti
- Late afternoon — Solemn procession of the sacred statue through the city streets
- Midnight — Fireworks display in Piazza Bagolino
The celebrations are broadcast live on Videosicilia (channel 93 of digital terrestrial TV) and streamed on Facebook and YouTube.
Highlights Patronal Feast of Alcamo 2026
Prices Patronal Feast of Alcamo 2026
Practical information — Patronal Feast of Alcamo
How to get there
Alcamo is located in the province of Trapani, along the A29 Palermo–Mazara del Vallo motorway (Alcamo Est/Ovest exits). By train, the Alcamo Diramazione station is connected to lines for Palermo and Trapani; the nearest airports are Palermo–Punta Raisi and Trapani–Birgi.
When
The festivities take place every year in June, culminating on the 21st, the day of the Patron Saint. The 2026 edition runs from June 12th to 21st.
Admission
Events in the historic center, processions, and square concerts are free of charge.
Tips
For the final day on June 21st, it is recommended to arrive early to witness the procession and the fireworks in Piazza Bagolino. On June 19th–21st, there is a ban on the sale and consumption of drinks in glass containers in the central areas.
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Where does it take place — Patronal Feast of Alcamo
Basilica Maria SS. Assunta e centro storico
Centro storico, 91011 Alcamo