Feast of Maria SS. Annunziata

The patronal feast of Pedara

As autumn approaches, the town of Pedara, located on the southeastern slopes of Mount Etna in the Province of Catania, comes to a standstill to honor its patron saint, Maria Santissima Annunziata. While the liturgical feast of the Annunciation falls on March 25th, it is the grand external celebrations in September that draw the entire community and numerous locals returning for the occasion. It is the town's signature festival, one of the most attended on the Etna side, blending popular faith, ephemeral art, and entertainment.

The candelore and the "ballata"

Among the most anticipated moments is the ritual of the candelore (votive candles): true works of art in carved and gilded wood, carried on the shoulders of devotees. After the blessing of the young bearers on the sanctuary square, the candelore perform the traditional "ballata," a rhythmic dance with a measured step that kicks off the traditional tour through the town center, later accompanying the procession for the offering of wax and flowers to the Virgin.

The Marian floats of the districts

The scenic heart of the festival lies in the Marian floats, set up by the two historic districts of Pedara, Piazza and Sant'Antonio. These are large festive structures with Marian themes, the result of months of work, which are unveiled and displayed on the eve of the feast in Piazza Don Diego, amidst music and fireworks, in a spirit of friendly rivalry between the neighborhoods.

The fercolo and the procession

The statue of the Annunziata is carried in a solemn procession on the precious wooden fercolo crafted in 1888, preceded by the candelore and accompanied by fireworks, lights, and the brass band. The procession travels through the main streets during the peak days of the festival, starting from the Basilica Sanctuary of Maria SS. Annunziata, which was elevated to a diocesan Marian sanctuary in 1971.

An event to experience

With liturgies, market stalls, traditional sweets, illuminations, and the famous "mortaretti" (firecrackers), the Feast of Maria SS. Annunziata is the perfect opportunity to discover authentic Sicilian festive tradition on Mount Etna. The town of Pedara, in Sicily, welcomes visitors and pilgrims every year in a festive atmosphere that unites the sacred and the profane.