Feast of Our Lady of Graces

A festival that is the identity of Goro

The Feast of Our Lady of Graces is the patronal feast of Goro, a fishing village in the Po Delta in the province of Ferrara, in Emilia-Romagna. More than a simple festival, it is the moment when the entire community comes together around its patron saint, intertwining religious devotion, maritime tradition, and popular conviviality. Goro has always lived from the sea and the lagoon: the festival is the way the town pays homage to an element that is both a source of livelihood and, at times, tragedy.

The sea procession in the Goro Sacca

The spiritual heart of the festival is the procession. After the Holy Mass in the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, the statue of the Madonna is carried in procession through the streets of the town and then embarked on a boat, followed by numerous boats decorated for the occasion. The procession continues at sea, within the Goro Sacca, to an urn that holds another image of the Madonna placed on the briccole, the wooden poles driven into the lagoon. It is a deeply emotional rite, where fishermen entrust their safety at sea to their protector. During the procession, boats offer free rides to tourists and visitors who want to experience this ancient custom up close.

The gastronomic stand and fish cuisine

Alongside the religious dimension, the festival is also an opportunity to taste the rich dishes of Goro's tradition. Every evening, starting at 7:00 PM, the gastronomic stand opens with an extensive à la carte fish menu, which has become a guarantee of quality over the years: from appetizers to first courses, continuing with main courses and side dishes, with options for a children's menu and takeaway, and a selection of homemade desserts. The evenings come alive a short distance away, in Piazza Bruno Bordon, with musical performances, group dances, karaoke, and dance exhibitions.

The fair and markets

On festival days, the center of Goro, between Piazza Milva and Via Cesare Battisti, hosts the traditional fair with stalls selling sweets, piadine, fruits and vegetables, crafts, costume jewelry, and trinkets. The festival is also historically linked to the Sant'Antonio Fair and events such as the mullet fishing competition and the running race, which complete a program designed for all ages.

Why it's worth going

The Feast of Our Lady of Graces is an authentic opportunity to discover Goro and the Po Delta away from mass tourist routes. Here you can breathe the real life of a fishing port, taste freshly caught fish, and witness a sea procession that few other places in Italy can offer with the same intensity.