Sea Procession of the Madonna Assunta (Ferragosto)

A maritime tradition of the Abruzzo Ferragosto

The Sea Procession of the Madonna Assunta is the religious and popular heart of Ferragosto in Silvi, in the province of Teramo, on the Abruzzo coast. Every August 15th, the community of Silvi Marina gathers for the patronal feast of the Parish of Santa Maria Assunta, in a day that weaves together devotion, the sea, and local festivities. The tradition of the sea procession dates back to 1975 and has been renewed punctually ever since, becoming one of the most anticipated and photographed events of the Silvi summer.

The sea procession

The most solemn moment is the boarding of the Virgin's statue. After the land procession that crosses the center of Silvi Marina to Piazza dei Pini, the statue of the Madonna is entrusted to the sea: loaded onto a Coast Guard patrol boat and accompanied by local fishing vessels, it leads a parade of boats along the coast to the mouth of the Piomba river. It is a striking image, with the faithful reaching the beach early in the morning to watch the Madonna set sail on the waters of the Adriatic.

The day's program

The festival follows a ritual consolidated over the years. On the morning of August 15th, the statue moves in a procession toward the sea, accompanied by civil and military authorities, the faithful, and a marching band; this is followed by the boarding for the sea procession and, upon return, the solemn open-air Mass celebrated in Piazza dei Pini. In the afternoon and evening, the square becomes the center of civil celebrations, with live music, dancing, and stalls. The concluding moment is the midnight fireworks display over the sea: the fireworks reflect on the water and can also be admired from the viewpoint of the ancient village of Silvi Paese, which comes alive with summer initiatives during these same evenings.

Faith, community, and tourism

The Assumption procession is not just a religious rite: it represents the maritime identity of Silvi and the deep bond between the town and its sea. The celebration, promoted by the parish and supported by the Municipality of Silvi, is part of the rich summer calendar of the resort, which welcomes thousands of tourists to its beaches every year. For those spending Ferragosto on the Teramo coast, witnessing the Madonna's departure to sea and the midnight fireworks is an authentic way to experience the popular traditions of the Adriatic Abruzzo.

Dates for the 2026 edition

The Assumption procession in Silvi is traditionally held every year on August 15th. The detailed program for the 2026 edition, with the precise times of the religious celebrations and civil events, has not yet been published: it will be released by the parish and the Municipality of Silvi in the weeks leading up to Ferragosto.