Feast of the Madonna della Catena (Patronal Feast)

The patronal feast of Riesi

The Feast of the Madonna della Catena is the main religious and cultural event in Riesi, a town in the heart of the Caltanissetta province, in Sicily. Every year, on the second Sunday of September, the entire community gathers around its patron saint, Maria Santissima della Catena, in a celebration that weaves together devotion, local identity, and centuries-old tradition.

The origins of the cult

Devotion to the Madonna della Catena dates back to an ancient episode in Palermo in 1392: according to tradition, three men condemned to death saw their chains break after entrusting themselves to the Virgin. From that miracle, a cult spread throughout Sicily, finding its home in Riesi at the grand Basilica Santuario Maria SS. della Catena, built around 1700 and adorned with 18th-century stuccoes and frescoes.

Key moments of the festival

The festivities are preceded by a novena of preparation and culminate on the night between Saturday and Sunday, when the Basilica remains open to welcome numerous pilgrims, some of whom arrive on foot from neighboring towns.

• Alborata: the day of celebration opens with 21 cannon shots and the festive ringing of bells.
• Marching band: parades through the town streets, enlivening the atmosphere from the morning.
• Pageant and solemn pontifical mass: municipal authorities reach the Sanctuary for the main celebration.
• Evening procession: the wooden statue of the Madonna travels through the main streets, accompanied by confraternities and the faithful.
• Act of entrustment: in front of the Town Hall, the city is solemnly entrusted to its patron saint.
• Fireworks and musical evening: pyrotechnic displays and entertainment in the square close the festivities.

Between faith and popular celebration

Illuminations, candlelight processions, and symphonic marches set the stage for a festival that is both a religious rite and a major gathering for Riesi. The presence of pilgrims and the affection of the local people make every edition a deeply felt event, renewing the bond between the community and its Madonna della Catena each year.