Festa della Madonna della Gamba
The most anticipated religious event in Albino, commemorating the miracle of 1440
About Madonna della Gamba
The miracle of 1440
The Festa della Madonna della Gamba is rooted in an event on October 9, 1440. According to tradition, in the early morning hours, the young Venturina had an apparition of the Virgin: from that miracle, the cult was born and, subsequently, the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin of the Miracle, in the hamlet of Desenzano al Serio, in Albino (province of Bergamo). It is the most anticipated religious event of the year for the entire community of the Seriana Valley.
Between faith and popular celebration
For about two weeks in October, Albino experiences an intense program that blends spiritual and civil dimensions. Daily Eucharistic celebrations culminate in the Dawn Mass on October 9, at 4:30 AM, and the jubilee procession with the simulacrum of the Virgin. Alongside the sanctuary, the concert by the town band and a fireworks display take place, while along the town's streets, the traditional fair with stalls comes alive.
The pilgrim's lunch
A convivial moment of the festival is the pilgrim's lunch, served at the oratory of Desenzano al Serio on the main days, with a traditional menu (booking recommended). It is an occasion where devotion and Bergamascan gastronomy meet, renewing a rite that unites generations.
A day that stops the town
On October 9, municipal offices, schools, and the library in Albino are closed: this is proof of how much the Madonna della Gamba is part of the municipality's identity. For those visiting the Seriana Valley in autumn, the festival is an opportunity to discover a living tradition, deeply rooted and celebrated uninterruptedly for almost six centuries.
Madonna della Gamba — edition 2026
The 2026 edition marks the 586th anniversary of the Virgin's apparition in Albino. The complete schedule will be determined by the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin of the Miracle together with the Municipality and published in the weeks preceding the festival.
The traditional events remain fixed: daily celebrations, the Dawn Mass on October 9 at 4:30 AM, procession with the simulacrum, fair along the streets, concert by the Albino band, and fireworks display.
Programme Madonna della Gamba 2026
The detailed program for the 2026 edition will be published by the Sanctuary and the Municipality of Albino in the weeks leading up to the festival. Based on the traditional structure of the event, the following are expected:
- Daily religious celebrations during the festival period
- October 9 — Dawn Mass at 4:30 AM; main day with offices, schools, and library closed
- Concert by the band of Albino and fireworks display
- Jubilee procession with the simulacrum of the Virgin
- Traditional fair with stalls along Via Roma and the streets of the center
- Pilgrim's lunch at the oratory of Desenzano al Serio
Highlights Madonna della Gamba 2026
Prices Madonna della Gamba 2026
Practical information — Madonna della Gamba
When
In the first days of October, culminating on October 9, the anniversary of the 1440 apparition. Celebrations are spread over about two weeks.
Where
Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin of the Miracle, Piazza del Santuario, Desenzano al Serio, Albino (BG). Fair along the streets of the center.
Pilgrim's lunch
At the oratory of Desenzano al Serio on the main days. Booking recommended.
How to get there
Albino is connected to Bergamo by the T1 Seriana Valley tram line (Albino terminus) and by the SS671.
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Where does it take place — Madonna della Gamba
Santuario della Beata Vergine del Miracolo, Desenzano al Serio
Piazza del Santuario, 24021 Albino