Feast of Maria SS. della Candelora

The Candelora Feast in Serro

In the small village of Serro, perched on the hills of the municipality of Villafranca Tirrena in the Province of Messina, the Feast of Maria SS. della Candelora is renewed every February 2nd. It is one of the most cherished events for the local parish: a celebration of ancient traditions that brings many devotees back to the village each year to honor their protector.

The blessing of the candles

The heart of the celebration is the solemn mass during which candles are blessed. According to a custom passed down through generations, the faithful carefully keep these blessed candles to light in times of need as a sign of protection and faith. It is from these candles that the Madonna derives her popular name, sometimes called "Our Lady of the Candles".

The procession

On the day of the feast, or the following Sunday, the statue of the Madonna della Candelora is carried in procession through the streets of Serro. The parade is accompanied by a brass band and traditional fireworks, creating an atmosphere that blends quiet reflection with popular celebration, involving the entire village.

The Church of the Candelora

The celebration is hosted at the Church of the Candelora, a building of ancient origins, likely founded by the Basilian monks of Gesso. Around 1800, the territory of Serro was part of the possessions of the ancient Basilian abbey of San Gregorio di Gesso, before being annexed first to Messina and, after 1929, to the municipality of Villafranca Tirrena. Inside, it houses a high altar with a polychrome marble frontal, the statue of the Madonna, and a 1658 canvas by painter Andrea Bruno depicting the Madonna with the souls of Purgatory.

Between seasons: the meaning of Candlemas

Candlemas commemorates the purification rite that, according to Mosaic law, the Virgin Mary followed after the birth of Jesus. In Sicilian popular tradition, the occasion also marks the transition between seasons and the approach of the end of winter, as the old proverb reminds us: "At Candlemas we are out of winter, but if it rains or the wind blows, we are still in winter."

A community gathering

More than just a religious rite, the Candelora Feast of Serro is a moment of collective identity for Villafranca Tirrena: an occasion where the community reconnects with its roots through devotion, memory, and conviviality. For visitors, it offers the chance to discover an authentic Sicily, made of small villages and traditions guarded with pride.