Feast of the Madonna delle Grazie

The patronal feast of Modica

The Feast of the Madonna delle Grazie is the main patronal feast of Modica, a Baroque city in the province of Ragusa in the heart of south-eastern Sicily and part of the UNESCO Val di Noto site. Celebrations in honor of the Virgin begin on April 30th and reach their peak on the third Sunday of May, when the entire Modican community gathers around the Sanctuary dedicated to Her.

The origins: the miracle of 1615

Modican devotion stems from a miraculous event: on May 4, 1615, a slate slab depicting the Madonna and Child was discovered, which, according to tradition, burned for three days inside a bramble bush without being consumed. The Sanctuary was built on that site, designed by the Syracusan architect Vincenzo Mirabella, where the precious image is still venerated today. In 1627, the Madonna delle Grazie was proclaimed the main patron saint of Modica, and in January 2015, the Holy See elevated the Sanctuary to the dignity of a Minor Basilica.

The Scausi and the dawn pilgrimage

The most evocative moment of the festival is the pilgrimage of the barefoot faithful, known in dialect as the "Scausi". From the first light of dawn, devotees reach the Sanctuary to attend the first morning mass at 6:00 AM, joining a large crowd that gathers despite the early hour. It is an act of penance and thanksgiving passed down from generation to generation, representing the most authentic soul of Modican tradition.

The procession and the fireworks

The third Sunday of May is marked by celebrations throughout the day, leading up to the solemn evening Eucharist at 7:00 PM. This is followed by the procession of the Madonna's statue, accompanied by the Confraternity of Mercy, the faithful, and the Modica City Band.

• Procession route: Via Mercè, Corso Umberto, Vittorio Veneto, and Viale Medaglie d'Oro
• Return to the Sanctuary welcomed by fireworks sponsored by the Municipality of Modica
• Municipal band, confraternities, and devotional songs through the streets of the center

An experience of faith and identity

More than just a religious event, the Feast of the Madonna delle Grazie is a moment of strong identity for Modica and the entire Iblean territory. The streets of the historic center come alive with devotees, stalls, and illuminations, in an atmosphere that blends the spirituality of the pilgrimage with the warm popular participation typical of Sicilian patronal feasts. For visitors, it is an opportunity to discover one of the most heartfelt traditions of the Municipality of Modica, set against the unique backdrop of the Iblean Baroque.