Madonna della Scala Festival
The patronal feast of Massafra, between the sanctuary in the ravine and the first Sunday of May
About Madonna della Scala
The patronal feast of Massafra
The Madonna della Scala Festival is the most heartfelt devotional event in Massafra, a town in the province of Taranto, in the heart of the Apulian ravine country. Every year, on the first Sunday of May, the entire community gathers around its main patron saint in a celebration that weaves together solemn liturgy, historical memory, and popular festivities, drawing back many Massafra natives who return home for the occasion.
The sanctuary in the ravine
The core of the devotion is the rock-hewn sanctuary of Madonna della Scala, carved into the bottom of the ravine known as the Valle delle Rose. To reach it, one descends a long staircase of about 125 steps, immersed in a landscape of limestone, vegetation, and cave churches that makes Massafra one of the capitals of Apulian rock-hewn civilization. It is precisely from this descent and the sanctuary's ancient staircase that the venerated Virgin takes her name.
The legend of the deer and the Byzantine fresco
Popular tradition links the origin of the cult to an evocative legend: two deer, fleeing from hunters, are said to have knelt at the exact spot where an ancient Byzantine fresco depicting the Madonna was found. The devotion was solidified after the earthquake of 1743, which devastated the Taranto area but spared Massafra, an event interpreted as a sign of the Virgin's protection over the city.
The handing over of the city keys
The central and most defining moment of the festival is the handing over of the city keys: during the solemn day, civil, military, and religious authorities symbolically entrust the keys of Massafra to the Madonna, recognized as the protector and guardian of the community. The rite, accompanied by great popular participation, takes place near the Marian stage at the entrance to Via del Santuario, before the processions that cross the historic center.
Illuminations, bands, and fireworks
Alongside the religious dimension, the festival offers all the elements of the great Apulian festive tradition: artistic illuminations that light up the streets of the historic center, brass band concerts on the bandstand featuring ensembles from across the region and beyond, the traditional launch of the hot-air balloon, and the fireworks that bring the evening to a spectacular close. The statue of the Virgin, adorned with gold and ivory, is carried in procession and remains on display for the entire month of May in the Collegiate Church of San Lorenzo.
An identity heritage of Puglia
Organized by the Patronal Festival Committee, the Madonna della Scala Festival represents an intangible heritage that unites faith, history, and community. For the visitor, it is also the ideal opportunity to discover Massafra, its districts carved into the rock, and the unique landscape of the ravines, in one of the most authentic expressions of Marian devotion in the Municipality of Massafra and all of Puglia.
Madonna della Scala — edition 2026
The 250th anniversary of the Patronage
In 2026, the Madonna della Scala Festival took on an extraordinary meaning: Massafra celebrated the 250th anniversary of the Patronage of the Virgin over the city (1776-2026). A milestone that made this edition particularly solemn and well-attended.
Celebrations opened on Friday, April 24, with the transfer of the statue from the church of San Benedetto to the sanctuary and the start of the novena. On Saturday, April 25, Massafra welcomed the visit of Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, President of the CEI. The main festival took place on Sunday, May 3, with celebrations presided over by Bishop Sabino Iannuzzi, the solemn handing over of the city keys to the Madonna, processions in the historic center, brass band concerts, the launch of the hot-air balloon, and fireworks. The octave, featuring the final procession, was held on Sunday, May 10.
Programme Madonna della Scala 2026
2026 Program
- Fri, April 24 – Transfer of the statue from the church of San Benedetto to the Sanctuary (4:30 PM) and Holy Mass (6:00 PM); start of the novena.
- Sat, April 25 – Visit of Cardinal Matteo Zuppi (4:00 PM), community welcome, and Holy Mass (6:00 PM).
- April 24 - May 2 – Novena with daily Holy Masses in the Sanctuary.
- Sun, May 3 (main feast) – Holy Masses from 6:30 AM; solemn celebration presided over by Bishop Sabino Iannuzzi (9:00 AM); authorities' procession and ceremony of the handing over of the city keys at the Marian stage (11:00 AM); gala procession in the afternoon (from 5:30 PM) with the Grande Banda del Cilento of Agropoli and the Città di Triggiano and Città di Massafra brass bands; hot-air balloon launch in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele (around 8:00 PM); return of the procession to the Collegiate Church (8:30 PM); fireworks display by Emotion Fireworks of Gioia del Colle (11:30 PM).
- Sun, May 10 (octave) – Holy Mass and final procession with the statues of the patron saints.
Highlights Madonna della Scala 2026
- 250th anniversary of the Patronage of the Madonna della Scala (1776-2026)
- Visit of Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, President of the CEI (April 25)
- Handing over of the city keys to the Madonna (May 3)
- Brass band concerts, hot-air balloon launch, and fireworks display
- Artistic illuminations in the historic center
Prices Madonna della Scala 2026
Practical information — Madonna della Scala
How to get there
Massafra is located in the province of Taranto, along the State Road 7 (Appia) between Taranto and Bari. By car, take the Massafra exit from the SS106/SS7. By train, the Massafra station is on the Taranto–Bari line. The nearest airports are Bari–Palese and Brindisi–Salento.
Admission and hours
Religious celebrations, processions, and street performances are free and open to the public. The rock-hewn sanctuary can be reached on foot by descending the staircase from the ravine. The statue remains on display in the Collegiate Church of San Lorenzo throughout the month of May.
Tips
Wear comfortable shoes for the descent to the sanctuary and for the processions in the historic center. During the festival days, traffic in the center is diverted: it is advisable to park in the outer areas and continue on foot.
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Where does it take place — Madonna della Scala
Santuario Madonna della Scala e centro storico