Festa Patronale di Maria SS. della Serra e San Rocco
Lucanian identity between votive candles and the return of emigrants
About Madonna della Serra - Calciano
The identity heart of Calciano
The Feast of Maria SS. della Serra and San Rocco is the most cherished event in Calciano, a small municipality in the Province of Matera overlooking the Basento valley. The Madonna della Serra, the principal patron saint, is celebrated on September 8th, while San Rocco is honored the day before, on September 7th, in a single grand festival spread over several days.
The 'cente', symbol of devotion
The most evocative moment is the procession with the 'cente', the characteristic votive candles that women carry as a sign of devotion and gratitude. These are accompanied by parades in period costumes and traditional wedding attire, set to folk music, in an intertwining of the sacred and the profane that tells the soul of Lucanian tradition.
The return of emigrants
The festival is also the grand occasion for the return of Calciano's emigrants, who come back to their hometown from all over Italy and Europe to relive their roots. The days alternate moments of worship with conviviality, featuring stands of typical Lucanian products and the warm atmosphere of village festivals.
Identity and memory of a community
As part of the initiatives to promote Lucanian identity, Calciano's festival preserves a heritage of rites, gestures, and traditions passed down through generations, offering visitors an authentic experience of inner Basilicata.
Madonna della Serra - Calciano — edition 2026
The 2026 Edition
For 2026, the celebrations in honor of the Madonna della Serra and San Rocco in Calciano are expected on September 7th and 8th, with possible events spread over several days. September 7th is dedicated to San Rocco, and September 8th to the patron saint Madonna della Serra.
As tradition dictates, the heart of the festival is the procession with the votive 'cente', accompanied by parades in period costumes, folk music, moments of conviviality, and stands featuring typical Lucanian products.
Programme Madonna della Serra - Calciano 2026
2026 Program
- September 7 - Celebrations in honor of San Rocco
- September 8 - Solemn Feast of the Madonna della Serra, patron saint of Calciano: Holy Masses and procession with votive 'cente'
- Parades in period costumes and traditional wedding attire, folk music
- Stands of typical Lucanian products and moments of conviviality
The detailed program, including times for rites and processions, will be released by the Municipality of Calciano and the parish in the weeks preceding the event.
Highlights Madonna della Serra - Calciano 2026
Prices Madonna della Serra - Calciano 2026
Practical information — Madonna della Serra - Calciano
How to get there: Calciano is reachable from the SS407 Basentana highway, with an exit for the town, located between Potenza and Matera.
Admission: Rites, procession, and events are free admission.
Accommodation: B&Bs and farm stays are available in the area and in nearby towns.
Festival-goer photos
No photos yet. Share yours!
Share your photos
5 photos max, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Noticed an error or missing information?
Help us keep this listing up to date. Every proposal is verified by our team before publication.
Festival-goer reviews
No rating yet — be the first!
No comments yet. Be the first!
Were you there?
Share your experience with the community.