Maria Santissima di Custonaci Festival in Erice

A patronal feast in the heart of a medieval village

The festivities in honor of Maria Santissima di Custonaci are the most cherished religious and cultural event in Erice, a stunning medieval village perched over 700 meters above sea level in the province of Trapani, Sicily. The Madonna di Custonaci is venerated as the guardian and patron of the Civitas Erycina, and celebrations take place annually during the last week of August, filling the cobblestone streets and squares of the historic center with life.

Days of devotion and tradition

The festival traditionally spans from the last Sunday of August through the following Wednesday. It begins with a solemn mass at the Chiesa Matrice, the Real Duomo of Erice, the community's spiritual heart. The following days feature a program that balances intense religious observance with vibrant cultural displays:

• the re-enactment of the landing, commemorating the arrival of the sacred image of the Madonna by sea;
• the blessing of the votive altars set up in the characteristic courtyards of Erice;
• the parade of allegorical and historical floats, depicting scenes from the life of the Virgin;
• the symbolic delivery of the keys to the city to the Patron Saint, accompanied by a procession of mayors from neighboring towns.

The climax

Wednesday marks the final and most intense day of the festivities. The day opens with a solemn mass at the Chiesa Matrice, accompanied by the sound of firecrackers and a performance by the local marching band. In the afternoon, the procession carrying the venerated effigy of the Madonna winds through the streets of the historic center—a deeply moving moment for the community. In the evening, the village sky lights up with a spectacular fireworks display in Piazza Matrice.

Erice and its identity

Celebrated on the mountain overlooking the Gulf of Trapani, the Maria SS di Custonaci festival is far more than a religious rite: it is a reaffirmation of a community's identity. Amidst medieval walls, ancient churches, and timeless atmospheres, the town renews its bond with its patron saint each year. For visitors, it is the perfect opportunity to discover Erice in its most authentic and festive guise, immersed in the faith, folklore, and centuries-old traditions of the Trapani region.