Feast in Honor of Maria SS. Odigitria

The 2025 Edition

The 2025 Feast in Honor of Maria SS. Odigitria took place in Piana degli Albanesi (Palermo) according to the traditional calendar, from August 29th to September 2nd, organized by the Shën Mëria e Dhitrjes Committee. The days alternated between Byzantine-Greek liturgical moments, including the Paraklisis and sacred chants in the Albanian language, and festive evenings with entertainment for children, brass bands parading through the town, and shows in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele.

The highlight occurred on September 2nd, with the solemn Pontifical Mass of the Eparch in the morning and, in the evening, the procession of the Madonna Odigitria statue accompanied by the faithful in traditional Arbëreshë costumes, sealing a feast that weaves together faith, identity, and the memory of the Albanian community in Sicily.

Structure of the 2025 festivities (August 29 - September 2)

• Weekdays — Byzantine-Greek liturgical moments (including the Paraklisis), entertainment and evening shows in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, musical evenings.
• Closing days — Brass band parade through the historic center streets and evening concerts.
• September 2, 10:30 AM — Pontifical Mass of the Eparch of Piana degli Albanesi.
• September 2, 7:30 PM — Procession of the Madonna Odigitria statue.