Feast of Our Lady of the Lake

A Marian feast on the water

The Feast of Our Lady of the Lake is one of the most characteristic celebrations in the Val Cavallina, in the Province of Bergamo. It takes place on the shores of Lake Endine, in Monasterolo del Castello, and involves the parish of Ranzanico along with the communities of Spinone, Endine, and the Pastoral Unit of Val Cavallina Centro. At the heart of the rite are Marian devotion and the deep bond between the lakeside communities and their lake.

The floating votive shrine

A unique element of the feast is the floating votive shrine that houses the statue of Our Lady on the water. On the day of the feast, Civil Protection divers reach the shrine for its maintenance and care, a gesture that combines civic dedication and popular devotion.

Mass, crowning, and blessing of the lake

The most solemn moment is the Mass concelebrated by the priests of the parishes in Val Cavallina Centro, accompanied by the parish choir. This is followed by the crowning of Our Lady, with a floral crown transported on the water by the divers, and finally the blessing of the lake administered from a boat, accompanied by civil authorities and Civil Protection. The day concludes with a convivial gathering at the Fisherman's House.

Spirituality and territory

More than just a religious ceremony, the Feast of Our Lady of the Lake is a rite that tells the story of the identity of the communities of Val Cavallina and their relationship with Lake Endine. Spirituality, tradition, and collaboration between parishes merge into a day that, every spring, draws faithful and curious visitors to the shores of one of the most picturesque lakes in the Bergamo area.