Patronal Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
The Ligurian home of the Morenita, between the Sanctuary and Mount Maggiorasca
About Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
The Only Guadalupe in Italy
Santo Stefano d'Aveto, a village in the Apennines in the Province of Genoa, has a unique connection to the cult of Our Lady of Guadalupe: it is home to the only Italian sanctuary dedicated to the "Morenita," the Virgin venerated in Mexico. The patronal feast, celebrated in August, is when this special devotion becomes a celebration for the entire community.
Days of Celebration
The heart of the feast is the main day, with solemn Masses and, in the evening, the concert in honor of the Madonna performed by the Ensemble Banda Musicale and the Coro Polifonico of Santo Stefano d'Aveto, conducted by Maestro Davide Pedrazzi, at the Sanctuary. Alongside the liturgical celebrations, the feast features craft markets, exhibitions, and moments of conviviality.
The Pilgrimage to Maggiorasca
The most evocative moment is the pilgrimage to Mount Maggiorasca, where the imposing bronze statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe has stood since 1947, standing 2.20 meters tall on a base of over 5 meters. With the recitation of the Rosary at altitude and Holy Mass on the mountain, the pilgrimage renews the anniversary of the statue's enthronement each year, offering the faithful an experience of faith immersed in the landscapes of the upper Aveto Valley.
Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Patronal Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe spans several days. The main day is Sunday, August 23rd, with Masses and the concert in honor of the Madonna performed by the Ensemble Banda Musicale and the Coro Polifonico of Santo Stefano d'Aveto (direction M° Davide Pedrazzi). On August 27th, the traditional pilgrimage to Mount Maggiorasca takes place, marking the anniversary of the Madonna statue's enthronement.
Programme Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe 2026
Sunday, August 23rd — Sanctuary of Our Lady of Guadalupe
- 11:00 AM — Holy Mass
- 6:00 PM — Holy Mass
- Lottery draw on the Sanctuary square
- 9:00 PM — Concert in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe with the Ensemble Banda Musicale and the Coro Polifonico of Santo Stefano d'Aveto, directed by M° Davide Pedrazzi
Monday, August 24th
- 11:00 AM — Holy Mass
Wednesday, August 26th — Mount Maggiorasca
- 9:00 PM — Recitation of the Holy Rosary on Maggiorasca
Thursday, August 27th — Mount Maggiorasca
- Traditional pilgrimage to Maggiorasca, on the anniversary of the Madonna statue's enthronement
- 11:00 AM — Holy Mass on the mountain
Highlights Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe 2026
Prices Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe 2026
Practical information — Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
How to get there
By car: from Genoa or Chiavari, take the Val d'Aveto road up to Santo Stefano d'Aveto. The Sanctuary is in the center of the village; Mount Maggiorasca can be reached on foot along the pilgrimage trail.
When
Patronal feast in the second half of August, with the pilgrimage to Maggiorasca on the following days. Program details available from the Parish and the Municipality.
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Where does it take place — Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Santuario di Nostra Signora di Guadalupe e Monte Maggiorasca
Santuario di Nostra Signora di Guadalupe, 16049 Santo Stefano d'Aveto