Our Lady of the Fishermen Festival

Ustica's maritime festival

The Our Lady of the Fishermen Festival is one of the most anticipated and defining events on the island of Ustica, a small volcanic speck of land in the Tyrrhenian Sea, part of the Metropolitan City of Palermo, in Sicily. It is a celebration deeply rooted in the island's maritime tradition, where religious devotion intertwines with local folklore and the daily life of a community forever bound to the sea.

When it takes place

The event traditionally falls on the last Sunday of May, when the island comes alive to honor its patroness, the Madonna invoked by fishermen as the Star of the Sea. It is a moment when residents, returning emigrants, and visitors gather to experience one of the most evocative days in the Ustica calendar.

The sea procession

The heart of the festival is the famous sea procession. The statue of the Madonna departs from the mother church in the town square and is carried in a procession to the small port of Cala Santa Maria, accompanied by a brass band and the faithful. Here, the statue is hoisted onto a boat: the fishermen, with their vessels, accompany the Madonna on a circumnavigation of the island at sunset. It is a maritime pageant filled with emotion, as the entire fleet follows the statue while the sunset light reflects on the water.

The fish fry and evening festivities

Upon returning to the port, a mass is celebrated, after which one of the most convivial moments of the day takes place: a large pan is set up in the small port to fry fish, which is offered for free to all participants along with wine. The evening continues with live music, dancing, and group games, in a festive atmosphere that involves the entire population.

An island with a strong identity

Ustica is not just the stage for this festival: it is a place of unique charm, home to Italy's first Marine Reserve, established in 1987, and a beloved destination for divers and nature lovers. The Our Lady of the Fishermen Festival tells the story of this ancient and inseparable bond between the island and its sea, offering visitors the authenticity of a community that proudly preserves its roots.