Feast of the Holy Face

An ancient devotion in the heart of the Sibillini

The Feast of the Holy Face is one of the most deeply rooted religious events in the life of the community of Muccia, a small municipality in the Province of Macerata nestled along the Chienti valley, at the gateway to the Monti Sibillini National Park. The celebration falls on the third Sunday of Easter and draws not only the villagers but also faithful and devotees from nearby towns in the Alto Maceratese.

The meaning of the Holy Face

At the heart of the feast is the contemplation of the Holy Face, an image of Christ's face understood as a mirror of God's love and a luminous sign of the Resurrection. In an Easter season that calls for hope, the devotion in Muccia offers a reflection on mercy and on the meaning to be found even in hardship: themes that are closely linked to the recent history of this territory, which was severely affected by the 2016 earthquake and is engaged in a long process of reconstruction.

Solemn Mass and procession

The central moment of the day is the solemn Holy Mass, celebrated in the parish community of San Biagio, followed by the procession that winds through the streets of the town center. Civil and religious authorities usually participate in the celebration: in the 2026 edition, the president of the Regional Council of Marche, Gianluca Pasqui, was also present, testifying to the link between the feast and the identity of the territory.

A connection with the sacred places of Muccia

The feast is part of Muccia's rich devotional heritage, which also includes the Sanctuary of the Madonna di Col de' Venti and the hermitage of Beato Rizzerio, destinations for pilgrimage and reflection. The Church of San Biagio, built by reusing an ancient tower from the town walls, is the focal point of parish life and the starting point for the day's festivities.

Why experience it

The Feast of the Holy Face is not a major tourist event, but an authentic, simple, and intimate village feast in the Marche region. Those who visit Muccia on this occasion discover the genuineness of the hinterland traditions, a village that endures and renews itself, and the sincere hospitality of a community that proudly cherishes its faith.