Festival of Our Lady of Tears - Arcene
The anniversary of the weeping at the Sanctuary of Arcene
About Our Lady of Tears
Devotion to Our Lady of Tears
The Festival of Our Lady of Tears celebrates in Arcene, in the province of Bergamo, the anniversary of the Virgin's weeping, which according to tradition occurred on April 5, 1871. The heart of the festival is the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Tears, a place of devotion and an identity-defining site for the Arcene community, which renews a program of celebrations and initiatives around this date every year.
Faith, Culture, and Tradition
The event is not limited to liturgical moments. In the days leading up to April 5th, cultural events take place: the evocative torchlight procession 'On Mary's Footsteps', theatrical performances, musical performances with choirs and soloists, and screenings. The anniversary day is marked by the solemn mass and the procession with the sacred effigy, which involves the entire community.
A Spiritual Heritage of the Bassa Bergamasca
The festival represents one of the most important moments of the year for Arcene, a town in the Bassa bergamasca region. Its ability to combine popular devotion, historical memory, and cultural offerings—from theater to music by local bands—makes it an event that enhances the town's identity and attracts faithful and visitors from nearby centers as well.
Our Lady of Tears — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Festival of Our Lady of Tears in Arcene celebrates the 155th anniversary of the weeping, with festivities culminating on Sunday, April 5th. The program combines moments of faith and culture, around the Sanctuary and in the parish church, and features among its protagonists the Archbishop of Ferrara-Comacchio, Monsignor Gian Carlo Perego, who presides over the solemn anniversary mass.
Programme Our Lady of Tears 2026
Main events of the 2026 festivities in Arcene:
- Wednesday, 6:00 PM — torchlight procession 'On Mary's Footsteps', from the Sanctuary with prayer to Our Lady of the Quails and gathering in the square
- Theatrical performance 'Gino Bartali - Silent Hero' by the Luna e Gnac company (8:30 PM)
- Musical performance with the 'Santa Cecilia' choir and soprano Giusy Merelli, after the mass at the Sanctuary (8:30 PM)
- Saturday, 8:30 PM — first screening of the film 'April 5th through the eyes of children', made by elementary school students, in the parish church
- Sunday, April 5th — solemn anniversary mass presided over by Archbishop Gian Carlo Perego; procession with the sacred effigy
- To conclude — concert by the 'Franco Poloni' band, 9:00 PM, in the parish church
Highlights Our Lady of Tears 2026
Prices Our Lady of Tears 2026
Practical information — Our Lady of Tears
Where
Sanctuary of Our Lady of Tears, Arcene (BG), in the Bassa bergamasca. The town can be reached by car from Treviglio and Bergamo.
Information
The celebrations and cultural program are managed by the parish of Arcene. Free admission to all events.
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Where does it take place — Our Lady of Tears
Santuario della Madonna delle Lacrime