Festa di Santa Maria Apparente

A festival of devotion and community in Civitanova Marche

The Festa di Santa Maria Apparente is one of the most heartfelt events in the civil and religious calendar of Civitanova Marche, in the province of Macerata, in the Marche region. Dedicated to the city's co-patroness, the festival combines the deep Marian devotion of the homonymous district with the warmth of a great popular celebration that, for almost two weeks, transforms the streets around the Sanctuary into a meeting place for faithful, families, and curious visitors.

The tradition of the apparition

The celebration has its roots in the ancient tradition of the Virgin's apparition, remembered every year on June 5th, the day of the main solemnity. The most intense spiritual moments are concentrated around this date: the diocesan pilgrimage to the Sanctuary, the rosaries, the Eucharistic adoration, and the daily masses, culminating in the evocative evening procession that crosses the district by the light of torches.

The religious program

The heart of the festival is the liturgical calendar, which opens on May 31st with the pilgrimage of the city's parishes and continues with daily celebrations at the Sanctuary. June 5th sees a succession of numerous masses, including one with the anointing of the sick in the afternoon and the solemn evening celebration, followed by the Marian procession with torches accompanied by the city band. The festival concludes on June 15th with the procession of the statue's return to the Sanctuary.

Shows, gastronomy, and moments for everyone

Alongside the religious program, the festive octave offers numerous civil initiatives designed for all ages. Among the most anticipated events are the children's shows like "Frate Mago" (Friar Magician), themed conferences, a dialect comedy, a comedy show by local artists, and evening concerts, such as the tribute to 883 and Max Pezzali. There are also the traditional food stalls, the wheel of fortune, inflatable games, briscola and burraco tournaments, and the charity raffle, the proceeds of which support the district's nursery school.

An identity event for the district

More than just a patronal festival, the Festa di Santa Maria Apparente represents a moment of strong identity for the community of the district and for the entire city of Civitanova Marche. Its ability to intertwine the spiritual dimension with the convivial one makes it one of the most representative events of the Marche popular tradition at the beginning of summer.