Civitellese May
A month of devotion, culture, and traditions in the heart of Civitella di Romagna
About Civitellese May
A month of celebration for Civitella di Romagna
The Civitellese May is the event that, for the entire month of May, enlivens the village of Civitella di Romagna, a municipality in the Forlì Apennines in the province of Forlì-Cesena, in Emilia-Romagna. Promoted by the Confraternity of the B.V. of Suasia with the patronage of the Municipality and the collaboration of local volunteer associations, the event offers a packed schedule every weekend, alternating moments of faith, culture, conviviality, and entertainment for all ages.
Under the gaze of the Madonna of Suasia
The common thread of the event is the devotion to the Blessed Virgin of Suasia, venerated in the Sanctuary of the same name that overlooks the town. The building was constructed starting in 1556, following the apparitions of the Madonna to the young shepherd Pasquino, and in 1819 the lay Confraternity was established, which still guards the Sanctuary and organizes its celebrations today. It is in this context of long tradition that the Civitellese May renews the bond between the community and its place of worship every year.
A program between the sacred and the profane
The calendar unfolds throughout all Sundays and weekends in May, combining spiritual appointments and recreational initiatives:
- Pilgrimages and celebrations at the Abbey of Sant'Ellero and the Sanctuary of Suasia;
- Concerts at the Sanctuary, with guest choirs, string ensembles, and organists, such as the "Città di Faenza" choir;
- Family Day with games and entertainment;
- Awarding of the Civitellese of the Year in the Council Hall;
- Romagnol dialect comedies and convivial evenings with food stalls;
- Excursions and trekking to discover the hills and ruins of the area.
The Patronal Feast
The highlight is the Feast of the Blessed Virgin of Suasia, which falls on one of the last Sundays of the month. From the arrival of pilgrims, the Solemn Mass presided over by the Bishop, the procession accompanied by the municipal band, to the closing with music, food stalls, and fireworks, the day summarizes the spirit of the entire event: deep popular devotion and a village festival.
A Community Identity
More than a single event, the Civitellese May represents for Civitella di Romagna a month of shared belonging, in which Marian faith blends with social life, local culture, and Romagnol tradition, involving inhabitants, associations, and pilgrims from neighboring towns.
Civitellese May — edition 2026
The Civitellese May 2026 opened on Sunday, May 3, with the pilgrimage to the Abbey of Sant'Ellero (departure at 6:30 AM and Mass at 8 AM) and, in the afternoon, the Family Day animated by Debora and Juri. On Saturday, May 9, the Sanctuary hosted a concert of strings, soloists, and choir from Faenza. Saturday, May 16, featured a community pizza night for solidarity, while Sunday, May 17, began with the award ceremony for "Civitellese 2026" in the Council Hall, First Communions, and a guided trek in the local hills. On Saturday, May 23, after the blessing of cars, the dialect comedy "L'Usterì di Dú Galett" was performed. The climax was on Sunday, May 24, with the Feast of the Blessed Virgin of Suasia: arrival of pilgrims from Cusercoli and Solemn Mass. The month concluded on Sunday, May 31, with Mass dedicated to benefactors.
Programme Civitellese May 2026
2026 Program
- Sunday, May 3 – Pilgrimage to Sant'Ellero (6:30 AM) and Mass (8 AM); 3 PM Family Day with Debora and Juri
- Saturday, May 9 – 8:45 PM concert of strings, soloists, and choir from Faenza at the Sanctuary
- Saturday, May 16 – 8 PM community pizza night for solidarity
- Sunday, May 17 – 10:30 AM "Civitellese 2026" award ceremony in the Council Hall; 11 AM First Communions; 2 PM guided trek in the hills
- Saturday, May 23 – 7 PM car blessing; 9 PM dialect comedy "L'Usterì di Dú Galett"
- Sunday, May 24 – Feast of the B.V. of Suasia: arrival of pilgrims from Cusercoli (8 AM) and Solemn Mass (11 AM)
- Sunday, May 31 – 8 AM Mass dedicated to benefactors
Highlights Civitellese May 2026
- Patronal Feast of the Blessed Virgin of Suasia (May 24)
- Concert of strings, soloists, and choir from Faenza at the Sanctuary
- Romagnol dialect comedy "L'Usterì di Dú Galett"
- Award ceremony for the Civitellese of the Year
- Pilgrimage to Sant'Ellero and trek in the hills
Prices Civitellese May 2026
Practical information — Civitellese May
Where
The events take place in Civitella di Romagna (FC), between the town center, the church of San Michele Arcangelo, the Council Hall, and the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin of Suasia.
How to get there
By car: from the Via Emilia (Forlì), Civitella di Romagna can be reached along the SS67 Tosco-Romagnola towards the Muraglione Pass. The nearest train station is Forlì, on the Bologna-Rimini line, with onward bus travel towards the Bidente valley.
Admission
Religious celebrations and most events are free admission; some convivial and gastronomic initiatives may require a participation fee. It is advisable to consult the annual program published by the Confraternity and the Municipality.
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Where does it take place — Civitellese May
Santuario della B.V. della Suasia