Theophany of Piana degli Albanesi

The 2025 edition of the Theophany confirmed the vitality of a tradition that the Arbëreshë community of Piana degli Albanesi has preserved for over five centuries. On the morning of January 6th, after the solemn Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral of San Demetrio Megalomartire, the procession in traditional costumes reached the Fontana dei Tre Cannoli in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele.

Here, the Eparch celebrated the great blessing of the waters, immersing the cross amidst liturgical chants, while the white dove descended from the roof of the Church of the Madonna dell'Odigitria. The day concluded with the distribution of blessed oranges, a symbol of rebirth, in an atmosphere of faith and identity that draws faithful and tourists to the town of Piana degli Albanesi every year.