September Procession of the Black Madonna of Viggiano

The Return of the Black Madonna

The September procession of the Black Madonna of Viggiano is the moment when the revered statue, after spending the summer on the Sacred Mount at 1725 meters, returns to the Pontifical Basilica in the village, in the province of Potenza. It is the reverse journey of the May ascent: the Madonna, Patron and Queen of Basilicata, descends to the valley to stay close to the community during the winter.

The Vigil and the Dawn Descent

The rite is among the most evocative in Lucanian religious tradition. On the night preceding the first Sunday of September, thousands of pilgrims ascend to the Sacred Mount for the traditional overnight vigil next to the sanctuary. At dawn, the processional descent towards Viggiano begins, along the path that crosses the woods and landscapes of the Val d'Agri, accompanied by songs and prayers.

A Grand Regional Celebration

The Madonna's arrival in the village turns into a grand celebration involving all of Basilicata, with solemn religious services, moments of conviviality, and a rich program of events. In recent years, the festival has also hosted concerts by nationally renowned artists, demonstrating how this occasion unites devotion and spectacle.

Experiencing Viggiano in September

Participating in the descent of the Black Madonna means immersing oneself in a millennia-old tradition and a unique atmosphere, blending spirituality, nature, and popular celebration. For those visiting the Val d'Agri, it is the ideal opportunity to discover Viggiano, its Basilica, and the Sacred Mount during one of the most intense moments of the year.