Feast of Maria SS. Annunziata (September)

A Marian devotion rooted in the Nebrodi

The Feast of Maria SS. Annunziata is one of the most heartfelt celebrations in Alcara li Fusi, a small village in the Nebrodi Park in the province of Messina, Sicily. Every year on September 8th, the liturgical feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the community gathers around its most cherished icon to renew a centuries-old tradition. The devotion is upheld by the local confraternity and centers on the ancient heart of the town, the charming medieval Motta district, where the small Annunziata church—once called Templum Magnum—stands.

The 16th-century sculptural group

The highlight of the festival is an exquisite Annunciation sculptural group dating back to the 16th century. The work depicts the Annunciata with her right arm raised and hand outstretched, in a gesture of surprise at the announcement brought to her by the Angel, who kneels before her with his arms crossed over his chest. The statue is placed on an evocative 17th-century fercolo (processional float), adorned with eight Angels bearing Marian symbols, and carried on the shoulders of devotees amidst a crowd of praying faithful.

The procession and the ritual of the Eternal Father

The procession begins at the small Annunziata church and winds through the narrow streets of the Motta district. The most unique and anticipated moment occurs when the small statue of the Eternal Father, kept by the family who holds the tradition, is placed on the dome of the float from the balcony of a private home. The procession then reaches the Mother Church for the solemn Holy Mass before returning to the medieval district.

The entrustment, the candlelight procession, and the fireworks

The day culminates in the evening, when the solemn act of entrustment of the community to the Virgin Mary takes place in the main square. Immediately after, an evocative procession with lit torches begins, accompanying the statue back to the Annunziata church while the sky lights up with fireworks. The statue of the Eternal Father is returned to the family who guards it, and the Annunziata returns to her church until the spring festivities in March.

An event to experience in the village

The September Annunziata Feast is a precious opportunity to discover Alcara li Fusi and its historic center, nestled in the Nebrodi landscape. Between popular faith, sacred sculpture, and community tradition, the event offers visitors an authentic glimpse of inland Sicily, far from the most beaten tourist paths.