Madonna della Ravanusa Festival

An ancient devotion on the slopes of Mount Etna

The Madonna della Ravanusa Festival is the premier religious and cultural event in San Giovanni la Punta, a town in the province of Catania located on the southern slopes of Mount Etna, Sicily. The celebration coincides with the Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary on August 15th and centers around the historic Sanctuary of the Madonna della Ravanusa, a pilgrimage destination for generations.

The sanctuary and the legend of its name

Built in the 18th century, the sanctuary houses a precious 16th-century fresco of the Virgin Mary, which was already venerated in an earlier chapel. According to popular tradition, the unique name "Ravanusa" stems from a miraculous event: a young woman praying before the sacred image collapsed as if lifeless, only to suddenly regain consciousness to the amazement of those present. This episode gave rise to the name "Madonna della Rinvenuta" (Our Lady of the Recovery), which evolved over time into "Rinvenusa" and finally "Ravanusa." The facade, with its richly decorated glass portal, bell towers, and pediment, combines simplicity with elegance.

The two-week preparation

The festivities extend well beyond a single day. Starting August 1st, the quindicina begins—a fifteen-day period of preparation marked by early morning masses and evening Eucharistic celebrations in the open-air amphitheater attached to the sanctuary. During these days, pilgrimages from the town's various districts take place, welcoming the faithful from neighboring towns such as Tremestieri Etneo, Sant'Agata li Battiati, and Trappeto.

The highlight: The Eve and the Assumption

The eve of August 14th features a procession of a copy of the venerated painting from the mother church to the sanctuary. On August 15th, the day of the Assumption, masses are held from early morning; in the evening, a solemn mass is celebrated, followed by the procession of the sacred image through the streets of the district and the traditional fireworks display that concludes the day.

Culture, music, and tradition

In the square behind the sanctuary, cultural and folkloric events come to life: festivals featuring local products, musical performances, games for children, and moments of solidarity. Among the most anticipated events is the "Homage to Mary" concert—a festival of sacred and classical music that reached its tenth edition in 2025, drawing large crowds even from neighboring towns. Thus, for San Giovanni la Punta and the entire Etna area of the Catania province, the festival represents a moment of strong community identity where faith, popular tradition, and culture intertwine.