Madonna dei Fiori Patronal Feast

A feast that is the devotional heart of Bra

The Madonna dei Fiori Patronal Feast is the most heartfelt religious event of the year for the city of Bra, an important center in the province of Cuneo, in Piedmont. Every September 8th, the day of the Nativity of Mary, the local community gathers around its patron saint with celebrations that draw thousands of faithful from across the region and beyond.

The origins: the 1336 apparition

The devotion stems from a legendary event on December 29, 1336. According to tradition, a young pregnant woman named Egidia Mathis was attacked by mercenaries while praying before a votive pillar on the outskirts of Bra. The Virgin Mary appeared to her, putting the attackers to flight. At that moment, in the middle of winter, the local wild blackthorn bushes bloomed inexplicably. The phenomenon of the winter flowering of the blackthorns still occurs today and gave the Sanctuary its name.

The Sanctuary

The Sanctuary of the Madonna dei Fiori complex includes the ancient 17th-century chapel, which houses the statue carried in the procession, and the large new 20th-century sanctuary. It is a constant destination for pilgrimages and a spiritual landmark for the entire Diocese of Turin, to which Bra belongs.

The novena and the procession

The feast is preceded by a novena that begins on August 30th and accompanies the faithful until September 8th with masses held throughout the day. The most anticipated moment is the solemn procession on September 8th, when the statue of the Madonna is carried on shoulders from the Sanctuary along the streets of the town center, accompanied by confraternities and a marching band. The day opens with a solemn morning mass and concludes with an evening celebration.

The blessing of the children

The following day, September 9th, is traditionally dedicated to the blessing of the children: families visit the Sanctuary in the afternoon to entrust their little ones to the protection of the Virgin. During the novena and the feast, a charity stall is also active, and the Municipality of Bra organizes a free shuttle service to the Sanctuary.

A tradition of faith and identity

More than just a religious event, the Madonna dei Fiori Feast is a defining trait of the Bra community: it unites the spiritual dimension with popular tradition, involving local associations, parish groups, and many families who renew their centuries-old bond with the city's patron saint every year.