Feast of Santa Maria Apparente

A feast of devotion and community in Civitanova Marche

The Feast of Santa Maria Apparente is one of the most heartfelt events in the civil and religious calendar of Civitanova Marche, in the province of Macerata, in the Marche region. Dedicated to the city's co-patroness, the feast combines the deep Marian devotion of the district of the same name with the warmth of a great popular festival that, for almost two weeks, transforms the streets around the Sanctuary into a meeting place for faithful, families, and curious visitors.

The tradition of the apparition

The celebration is rooted in the ancient tradition of the apparition of the Virgin, remembered every year on June 5, the day of the main solemnity. The most intense spiritual moments are concentrated around this date: the diocesan pilgrimage to the Sanctuary, the rosaries, the Eucharistic adoration, and the daily masses, culminating in the evocative evening procession that winds through the district by the light of torches.

The religious program

The heart of the feast is the liturgical calendar, which opens on May 31 with the pilgrimage of the city's parishes and continues with daily celebrations at the Sanctuary. The day of June 5 sees numerous masses, including one with the anointing of the sick in the afternoon and the solemn evening celebration, followed by the Marian procession with torches accompanied by the city's band. The feast concludes on June 15 with the procession of the statue's return to the Sanctuary.

Shows, gastronomy, and moments for everyone

Alongside the religious program, the octave of festivities offers numerous civil initiatives designed for all ages. Among the most anticipated events are the shows for children such as "Frate Mago" (Friar Magician), themed conferences, a dialect comedy, a comedy show by local artists, and evening concerts, such as the tribute to 883 and Max Pezzali. There are also the traditional food stalls, the wheel of fortune, inflatable games, card tournaments (briscola and burraco), and the charity raffle, the proceeds of which support the district's kindergarten.

An identity event for the district

More than just a patronal feast, the Feast of Santa Maria Apparente represents a moment of strong identity for the community of the district and for the entire city of Civitanova Marche. Its ability to intertwine the spiritual dimension with the convivial one makes it one of the most representative events of the Marche popular tradition at the beginning of summer.