Sacred Heart of Mary Festival

A festival born from the sea

The Sacred Heart of Mary Festival is the patronal feast of Marinella di Selinunte, a charming seaside village within the municipality of Castelvetrano, in the heart of western Sicily. The Marian devotion of this fishing community runs deep: a small chapel dedicated to the Madonna once stood near the ruins of the ancient Greek acropolis, while the current church was officially named after the Sacred Heart of Mary in 1970, with the approval of the Bishop of the Diocese of Mazara del Vallo. Since then, the festival has marked the rhythm of every summer in the village.

When it takes place

The celebration traditionally falls on the third Sunday of August, preceded by days of spiritual preparation including the rosary, vespers, and Eucharistic celebrations at the Sacred Heart of Mary parish. The day of the feast is entirely dedicated to the patron saint, blending moments of prayer with deeply rooted local traditions.

The procession and the evocative sea voyage

In the late afternoon, the statue of the Sacred Heart of Mary is carried in a walking procession through the village streets, accompanied by the faithful and a marching band. Upon returning to the harbor, a solemn Mass is held, followed by the most iconic moment: the sea procession. The statue is placed on a boat and escorted along the coast by a fleet of fishing boats decorated with lights. As the sun sets, the crimson horizon and the temples of Selinunte in the background create a truly magical atmosphere. During the procession, a floral offering is traditionally made in memory of those lost at sea in the Mediterranean.

The midnight fireworks

The grand finale arrives at midnight. As the statue returns to shore, the sky above the coastline lights up with a highly anticipated fireworks display over the sea, drawing both locals and tourists vacationing on the coast every year.

Faith, tradition, and identity

More than just a religious observance, the Sacred Heart of Mary Festival embodies the very identity of the fishing community of Marinella di Selinunte. It represents a profound bond between the seafaring people, their patron saint, and a unique landscape suspended between the Sicilian coast and the Selinunte Archaeological Park, one of the largest archaeological sites in the Mediterranean. For those visiting Sicily in August, it is an authentic opportunity to experience a vibrant and deeply felt popular tradition.