Patronal Feast of Our Lady of Graces

The Patron Saint of Nemoli

Our Lady of Graces is the patron saint of Nemoli, a village in the Province of Potenza nestled in the green Lagonegrese region. Her feast, celebrated annually on July 1st and 2nd, is the most important religious event for the Nemoli community, an occasion that intertwines popular devotion, tradition, and identity.

The Fifteenth-Century Statue and the Procession

The heart of the feast is the procession of the fifteenth-century statue of the Virgin, carried on shoulders through the streets of the historic center. The statue wears a gold-studded red cloak, a result of offerings made by the faithful over time as a sign of faith or gratitude for a grace received. Along the route, many devotees follow the procession barefoot or wearing traditional votive bands on their heads, in a gesture of profound participation.

Faith and Community

Surrounding the religious rites – the solemn Mass, the procession, moments of prayer – the patronal feast is enhanced by illuminations, music, and convivial gatherings that also draw emigrants and families originally from Nemoli back to the village. It is an occasion for the community to come together around their Madonna, renewing an ancient bond that spans generations.

Between Faith and Territory

Visiting Nemoli during the feast days means discovering an authentic side of Basilicata, where popular spirituality blends with the typical hospitality of Lucanian villages. The town, overlooking the picturesque Nemoli lake, is also an excellent base for exploring the Lagonegrese area and the gateway to the Pollino National Park.