Feast of the Madonna della Stella (Maria SS. della Stella)

A festival of identity in the Iblei mountains

The Feast of Maria SS. della Stella is the most important celebration in Pedagaggi, a small mountain hamlet nestled on the northern slopes of the Iblei mountains, part of the Municipality of Carlentini, in the Province of Syracuse (Sicily). From August 7th to 15th, the entire village gathers around its patron saint for a week of rituals, traditions, and conviviality that draws back numerous emigrants who return for the occasion.

The origins of the cult

According to tradition, devotion to the Madonna della Stella likely spread to Pedagaggi in the second half of the 18th century, thanks to workers from Militello in Val di Catania who were involved in construction and restoration projects promoted by the Branciforte princes. From Militello, an ancient center of the Marian cult of the Stella, the devotion spread to several towns in eastern Sicily, including Pedagaggi. The Mother Church dedicated to Maria SS. della Stella, built in 1930, overlooks the village from the top of a scenic multi-flight staircase.

The religious and secular program

The festivities open on August 7th with the evening Holy Mass and the evocative "unveiling" of the Madonna, accompanied by the devoted cries of the faithful and the so-called "scisa da Madonna" (the descent of the Madonna), when the statue is placed on its processional float. On August 8th, a prayer vigil in honor of the patron saint is held, lasting until late in the evening.

In the following days, the program alternates between moments of devotion and popular celebration:

• dance evenings and musical performances in the square;
• the traditional "serata de iochi de casaloti", dedicated to the village's ancient folk games;
• the "Emigrant's Day," with a blessing for the many Pedagaggi natives who have returned for the feast;
• gastronomic tastings featuring typical local dishes.

The gastronomy of the feast

The festival is also an opportunity to rediscover the home-style flavors of Pedagaggi: the stars are the spaghetti alla casalota, bruschetta with homemade preserves, local sausage, and regional wine, served by volunteers at refreshment points set up along the village streets.

The day of the Assumption

The climax occurs on August 15th, the Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary. At 10:00 AM, the solemn Eucharistic liturgy is celebrated, followed by the exit of the statue and the procession of the Madonna through the alleys of the hamlet, accompanied by the faithful. In the evening, the Madonna pauses under the triumphal arch of Via De Geronimo before returning to the church amidst the traditional and spectacular fireworks that close the festivities in grand style.