Great Feast of Maria SS. Addolorata
The main patronal festival of Monterosso Almo, in the heart of the Iblei Mountains
About Addolorata Feast
A devotion dating back to 1644
The Great Feast of Maria SS. Addolorata is the primary patronal celebration of Monterosso Almo, a small village of just under three thousand inhabitants perched at 691 meters in the Iblei Mountains. It is the highest municipality in the province of Ragusa and one of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy. The Virgin of Sorrows (Addolorata) has been venerated as the town's main patron and Queen since 1644, and for centuries, her feast has been the most anticipated day of the year for the entire Sicilian community.
When it takes place
The Great Feast traditionally falls on the third Sunday of September: in 2026, it will be Sunday, September 20. The statue is kept in the Diocesan Sanctuary of the Addolorata, housed within the Church of Sant'Antonio Abate, which was rebuilt after the 1693 earthquake and is adorned with a late-Baroque portal.
Rites and traditions
The day begins at dawn, around six in the morning, with the festive ringing of all the bells and the firing of mortars. This is followed by the first Eucharistic celebrations, animated by numerous faithful who arrive on pilgrimage, many of them barefoot to fulfill a vow.
- The "nisciuta" — the emergence of the statue from the church, accompanied by the spectacular release of "nzaiarieddi", small sky-blue paper strips that cover the square in a luminous rain.
- The morning procession through the streets of the village, led by a brass band.
- The "cena" — in the afternoon, the traditional charity auction of gifts takes place: farm animals, local products, and above all, the sweet specialties prepared by local housewives, such as pagnuccata, nougat, and cannoli.
- The evening procession, presided over by diocesan religious authorities and accompanied by brass bands, which concludes with the return of the statue to the sanctuary and the unmissable fireworks.
A village to discover
Experiencing the festival is also an opportunity to discover Monterosso Almo, a village of churches, narrow alleys, and late-Baroque vistas that served as a set for famous films like Giuseppe Tornatore's "The Star Maker". The Addolorata festival weaves together popular faith, music, local Iblean gastronomy, and community identity, revealing the most authentic soul of this corner of Sicily.
Addolorata Feast — edition 2026
The 2026 Great Feast
On Sunday, September 20, 2026, Monterosso Almo returns to celebrate its main patron saint, Maria SS. Addolorata. The day follows the established traditional calendar: Eucharistic celebrations from dawn, the evocative "nisciuta" of the statue around mid-morning with the release of "nzaiarieddi", the traditional charity "cena" in the afternoon, and the solemn evening procession accompanied by the town's brass bands, with a pyrotechnic show to close the festivities.
The religious program is preceded, as every year, by the novena at the Sanctuary of the Addolorata. Detailed schedules will be released by the Festival Committee in the weeks leading up to the event.
Programme Addolorata Feast 2026
Sunday, September 20, 2026 (indicative program, based on the established tradition)
- Dawn (6:00 AM) — Festive ringing of bells and firing of mortars; first Eucharistic celebrations with pilgrims, many barefoot.
- Morning — Gala tour of the brass band and processional "nisciuta" of the statue with the release of sky-blue "nzaiarieddi" and daytime fireworks.
- Afternoon — Traditional "cena": charity auction of local products and sweets (pagnuccata, nougat, cannoli).
- Evening — Solemn Eucharistic celebration, evening procession with brass bands, and final fireworks.
Highlights Addolorata Feast 2026
- The "nisciuta" of the statue with the release of sky-blue "nzaiarieddi"
- The "cena": auction of traditional Monterosso sweets
- The two processions with brass bands
- The final fireworks display
Prices Addolorata Feast 2026
Practical information — Addolorata Feast
How to get there
Monterosso Almo is located in the Iblean hinterland, about 20 km from Ragusa. By car, it can be reached via the SP10 and the provincial roads connecting Vizzini and Giarratana; the nearest airport is Catania-Fontanarossa (about 90 km away).
When
The Great Feast is celebrated on the third Sunday of September (September 20 in 2026). Festivities begin at dawn and continue until late at night.
Tips
Admission to the celebrations and processions is free. We recommend arriving in the morning to witness the "nisciuta" and the release of the "nzaiarieddi". Parking is available in areas outside the historic center.
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Where does it take place — Addolorata Feast
Santuario Diocesano Maria SS. Addolorata (Chiesa di Sant'Antonio Abate)