Marian Month and Procession of the Madonna dello Sterpeto
Barletta's devotion to the Madonna dello Sterpeto, from the Sanctuary to the city
About Marian Month of the Sterpeto
The Marian Month of Barletta
The Marian Month is one of the most deeply felt events in the religious life of Barletta, in the province of Barletta-Andria-Trani, Apulia. Every year on May 1st, the venerated Icon of the Madonna dello Sterpeto leaves its Sanctuary on Via Trani and is carried in a solemn procession to the city center, where it remains for the entire month of May. It is a moment when the entire community gathers around its patron saint, with thousands of faithful accompanying the Icon along the route.
A centuries-old tradition
This devotion dates back to 1656, when, during a terrible plague that struck the city, an ancient Byzantine-style Icon was found in the Barletta countryside among the brushwood and brambles—hence the name «dello Sterpeto» (of the brushwood). The sudden end of the epidemic was attributed to the intercession of the Virgin, who was proclaimed patron saint of Barletta in 1732 and solemnly crowned on May 28, 1961. For nearly three centuries, the people of Barletta have renewed the ritual of transferring the Icon to the city for the month of May.
The procession route
The procession departs from the Sanctuary of the Sterpeto and travels along Via Trani, with traditional stops for tributes to the Virgin, before reaching the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, the city's Cathedral, via Corso Cavour, Corso Garibaldi, and Via Duomo. The devotion to the Madonna dello Sterpeto is intertwined with that of Saint Ruggero, the co-patron bishop, whose relics accompany the celebrations.
The month of May in the Cathedral
Throughout the month, the Icon remains on display in the Basilica, which becomes the center of the city's faith: numerous daily Masses are celebrated, and the city's parishes make their solemn pilgrimage before the Virgin. The Marian Month concludes on June 2nd, when the Icon is escorted back in procession to its Sanctuary on Via Trani. Barletta, proclaimed «Civitas Mariae» in 2009, experiences this period as one of its most profound identity-defining moments.
Marian Month of the Sterpeto — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Marian Month combined the traditional devotion to the Madonna dello Sterpeto with the commemoration of the 750th anniversary of the Translation of the relics of Saint Ruggero (1276-2026), under the theme «Turn your merciful eyes upon us, your miserable children…». The opening procession on May 1st saw the participation of Archbishop Mons. Leonardo D'Ascenzo, the Cathedral Chapter, clergy, religious communities, and local civil and military authorities. The Icon remained in the city throughout the month of May, before returning to the Sanctuary on Via Trani on June 2nd.
Programme Marian Month of the Sterpeto 2026
Thursday, May 1st, 2026 — Opening of the Marian Month
- 17:00 — Sanctuary of the Sterpeto: Holy Mass
- Following, procession of the Icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary of the Sterpeto towards the city along Via Trani, with two stops (Fire Brigade Headquarters and Buzzi Unicem Cement Plant)
- 19:30 — Timac Plant (Via Trani): solemn reception of the Icon, presided over by Archbishop Mons. Leonardo D'Ascenzo with the Cathedral Chapter, clergy, religious, lay associations, Mayor Cosimo Cannito, and civil and military authorities
- 19:50 — Via Trani, Piazza XIII Febbraio 1503: arrival of the Reliquary Bust of Saint Ruggero
- 20:00 — Solemn Eucharistic Celebration with the effigies of the Patron Saints, presided over by the Archbishop
- At the end, procession towards the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore along Corso Cavour, Corso Garibaldi, and Via Duomo
May 2026 — Marian Month in the Cathedral
Throughout the month, the Icon remains on display in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, with daily celebrations and pilgrimages by city parishes.
Tuesday, June 2nd, 2026 — Return to the Sanctuary
In the morning, the Icon of the Madonna dello Sterpeto is escorted back in procession to its Sanctuary on Via Trani, concluding the Marian Month.
Highlights Marian Month of the Sterpeto 2026
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Practical information — Marian Month of the Sterpeto
Where
The opening procession departs from the Sanctuary of the Sterpeto (Via Trani) and arrives at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, on Via Duomo, in the historic center of Barletta (BT).
When
Opening on May 1st, with the procession of the Icon towards the city in the late afternoon; the Icon remains in the Cathedral throughout May. Return to the Sanctuary on June 2nd.
Access
The celebrations are open to the public and free of charge. During the processions, traffic changes are expected on the streets affected by the parade (Via Trani, Corso Cavour, Corso Garibaldi, Via Duomo).
How to get there
Barletta is served by the railway station on the Adriatic line; the historic center and the Basilica are within walking distance. The Sanctuary of the Sterpeto is located along Via Trani, on the outskirts of the city.
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Where does it take place — Marian Month of the Sterpeto
Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore
Via Duomo, 76121 Barletta