Immaculate Conception Festival

A 'girata' moved to December 6th

In 2025, the 'girata' of the Immaculate Conception float took place on Saturday, December 6th instead of the traditional date of the 7th: the unwritten rule of the festival dictates that when December 7th falls on a Sunday, the maneuver is moved to the previous day, as Sunday is dedicated to rest. At 2:00 PM, the bearers moved the float from the Immaculate Chapel toward the central nave of the Pontifical Basilica of Santa Croce, in front of an immense crowd.

The December 8th procession

The 2025 triumphal float, created based on the design of local artist Salvatore di Lecce, exited at 10:00 AM on December 8th and traveled through the historic center along Via Salvatore Noto, Via Roma, Via Vittorio Veneto, Corso Avezzana, Piazza Martiri d'Africa, and Via Marconi, reaching the port before returning via Via Piscopia. Mayor Luigi Mennella and numerous municipal administrators took part in the procession, along with neighborhood children with their 'carricielli' dedicated to themes of peace and memory. The three days of festivities were broadcast via live stream by local media.