May Procession of the Black Madonna of Viggiano

The Ascent of the Black Madonna

The May procession of the Black Madonna of Viggiano is one of the most heartfelt religious events in all of Basilicata. Every first Sunday of May, the revered statue of the Madonna leaves the Pontifical Basilica of Viggiano, in the province of Potenza, to ascend to the Sanctuary located on the Sacred Mount, at an altitude of 1725 meters. It is the ascent to the "summer residence" of the Virgin, who will remain on the mountain until September.

A Millennial Journey of Faith

The devotion to the Black Madonna, Patroness and Queen of Basilicata, dates back to around the year 1000. Tradition has it that the statue was brought to the top of the mountain to protect it from Saracen incursions and was later found by some shepherds, who noticed mysterious fires always lighting up in the same spot. Since then, the bond between Viggiano and its Madonna has never been broken.

The Procession

The ascent winds for about 12 kilometers along the path connecting the town to the Sacred Mount. Thousands of pilgrims undertake the journey on foot, many barefoot as a vow, carrying candles and flowers and accompanying the statue with songs and prayers. The statue is kept in a precious reliquary during the journey. The arrival at the sanctuary, at the summit, is a moment of intense collective emotion.

An Event for All of Basilicata

The May procession draws faithful from all over the region and beyond, transforming Viggiano into a spiritual reference point for the people of Basilicata. For those visiting inland Basilicata, witnessing the ascent of the Black Madonna means experiencing one of the most authentic and profound expressions of popular religiosity in Southern Italy, immersed in the landscapes of the Val d'Agri and the Sacred Mount.