Festival of the Madonna of March
The historic festival of the Sanctuary of San Damiano, between Ceriano Laghetto and Cogliate, in Brianza
About Madonna of March
The festival of the Sanctuary of San Damiano
Straddling the border between Ceriano Laghetto and Cogliate, in the province of Monza and Brianza, stands the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin Mary of San Damiano, popularly known as "Madona de Marz". Around this place of devotion, shared by the two communities, revolves one of the oldest and most attended festivals in the Brianza area, which every March draws faithful and visitors for nine days of celebrations.
Faith and tradition
The heart of the festival is religious: rosaries, solemn masses, and guided tours of the sanctuary mark the days, culminating in the evocative evening procession with the statue of the Madonna that winds through the village streets. But the Madona de Marz is also a great community event, with village dinners, concerts by the musical band, comedy shows, magic for children, and a charity raffle that accompanies the entire event.
RunDamiano and the markets
Among the most popular events are the RunDamiano, a non-competitive fun run now in its tenth edition, and the large market with over 200 stalls that fills the town center on the main Sunday. The festival thus combines the spiritual dimension with the popular one, in a balance that characterizes Lombard religious traditions.
Two municipalities, one festival
The Festival of the Madonna of March is organized jointly by the Municipalities of Ceriano Laghetto and Cogliate, testifying to the historical bond between the two communities centered around the border sanctuary. An event that every spring renews devotion and community spirit in this corner of Brianza, between the provinces of Monza and Varese.
Madonna of March — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Festival of the Madonna of March enlivens the communities of Ceriano Laghetto and Cogliate from March 18 to 26, centered around the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin Mary of San Damiano. Nine days of religious and popular initiatives, with Sunday being the most intense day: the RunDamiano race, now in its tenth edition, the solemn mass, the community lunch, and the large market with over 200 stalls.
Programme Madonna of March 2026
Wednesday, March 18 — Opening
- 8:00 PM — Aperitif and "Cena della Leva dei 6" (Dinner for the 60s generation)
- 9:00 PM — Concert by the G. Verdi Musical Band of Cogliate
Friday, March 20
- 3:00 PM — Rosary
- 7:00 PM — Aperitif
- 8:00 PM — Dinner
- 9:00 PM — Guided tours of the sanctuary and DJ set
Sunday (Main Day)
- 9:00 AM — RunDamiano, non-competitive fun run (10th edition)
- 10:30 AM — Solemn Mass
- Community lunch and afternoon shows
- Large market with over 200 stalls
- In the evening — Procession with the statue of the Madonna through the village streets
Throughout the festival: live music, magic shows for children, charity raffle, and food services.
Highlights Madonna of March 2026
- The RunDamiano, a running race in its 10th edition
- The large market with over 200 stalls
- The evening procession with the statue of the Madonna
- Guided tours of the San Damiano sanctuary
Prices Madonna of March 2026
Practical information — Madonna of March
How to get there
Ceriano Laghetto is located in Brianza, between Saronno and Seveso. By car, it can be reached from the SP Saronno-Monza. The Sanctuary of San Damiano is on the border with Cogliate.
Program
The festival lasts nine days with religious and popular events. The main Sunday hosts the RunDamiano, the solemn mass, and the large market with over 200 stalls.
Services
During the festival, catering services, including takeaway, and a charity raffle are available.
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Where does it take place — Madonna of March
Santuario della Beata Vergine Maria di San Damiano e centro
Santuario della Beata Vergine Maria di San Damiano, 20816 Ceriano Laghetto