Feast of the Madonna di Custonaci

One of the most heartfelt patronal feasts in Western Sicily

The Feast of the Madonna di Custonaci is the premier religious and folk event in Custonaci, a charming village in the Province of Trapani nestled at the foot of Mount Cofano in northwestern Sicily. Celebrated in late August, the festival honors Maria Santissima di Custonaci, a patron saint revered not only by the local community but also by the neighboring towns of Erice and Valderice, which have recognized her as their protector for centuries.

The legend of the painting's arrival

The devotion stems from an ancient legend: a ship from Alexandria, Egypt, caught in a violent storm and carrying a painting of the Madonna and Child, miraculously found safety in the waters of the Gulf of Cornino after the sailors prayed to the Mother of God. This miracle led to the founding of the sanctuary and the Marian cult. The festival was officially established in the 16th century and moved to its current August dates around 1752; it has been celebrated in its modern form since 1948, following the town's administrative independence from Erice.

Four days of festivities

The calendar traditionally spans from the Sunday preceding the last Wednesday of August through to that Wednesday:

• Sunday: A parade of folk groups and traditional Sicilian carts through the village streets.
• Monday: The historical re-enactment of the Madonna's arrival at Cala Bukuto, the festival's most striking moment, where the painting is brought to shore on a sailing ship accompanied by Sicilian songs and fireworks, followed by a torchlit procession to the sanctuary.
• Tuesday: A day dedicated to solemn vespers and liturgical celebrations.
• Wednesday: The solemn procession of the sacred image of Maria Santissima through the town streets, concluding with a grand fireworks display.

The International Folklore Festival

The religious dimension is intertwined with cultural heritage: the festival hosts the International Folklore Festival, bringing music, dance, and traditional costumes from various countries to Custonaci alongside Sicilian performers. In 2026, the village was awarded the title of «City of Folklore 2026» by the F.I.T.P. (Italian Federation of Popular Traditions) in recognition of the community's commitment to preserving Sicilian folk traditions.

An experience of faith and Sicilian identity

The Feast of the Madonna di Custonaci is much more than a religious celebration; it is a moment of profound collective identity for the entire Western Sicilian community. Between processions, songs, fireworks, local gastronomy, and international folklore, the event offers visitors an authentic glimpse into the popular and Marian traditions of the Trapani area, set against a stunning landscape where the sea meets the mountains.