Waiting for the Miracle
Light, music, and faith on the facade of the Basilica della Ghiara
About Waiting for the Miracle
A Story of Light on the Basilica della Ghiara
In the heart of Reggio Emilia, along Corso Garibaldi, the Basilica of the Blessed Virgin of Ghiara becomes the canvas for a show that combines contemporary art, music, and spirituality for several evenings. Waiting for the Miracle is the series of initiatives with which the city prepares to celebrate the anniversary of the first miracle of the Madonna della Ghiara: an event that mixes faith, art, and science in one of the symbolic places of Emilian devotion.
The "Miracles" Light Show
The visual heart of the event is the evening show projected onto the 17th-century facade of the Basilica. For three consecutive nights, the paintings from the "Supernova" series by artist Enrico Magnani, digitally animated by Kerstin Petrick, intertwine with the sacred images related to Marchino's miracle. The result is a dialogue between astrophysics and mysticism, between the matter of the stars and the story of healing that made the Reggio sanctuary famous.
Sacred Music, Exhibitions, and Walks
Alongside the projections, the program includes a concert by the Choir of San Francesco da Paola, the extraordinary opening of the Ghiara Museum, an evening walk along the ancient bank of the Crostolo river to discover images of the Madonna scattered throughout the city, and a photographic exhibition dedicated to Marian devotion "from Reggio to Fivizzano". The days conclude with moments of prayer and the Eucharistic celebration on April 29th, the anniversary day.
The Miracle of 1596
Devotion to the Madonna della Ghiara began on April 29, 1596, when—according to tradition—the young Marchino, deaf-mute from birth, while praying under the image of the Virgin, regained his speech and hearing. From that first prodigy began the construction of the great basilica, a treasure chest of frescoes and paintings among the most important of the 17th-century Emilian school. The event, promoted by the Fabbriceria della Ghiara along with the Order of the Servants of Mary, the Municipality, and the Province of Reggio Emilia, returns the meaning of this story to the entire community.
An Event for the City
Free and open to all, Waiting for the Miracle is an opportunity to rediscover an artistic and spiritual heritage of the province of Reggio Emilia, in Emilia-Romagna, and to experience the historic center in a different light, suspended between contemporary art and popular tradition.
Waiting for the Miracle — edition 2026
A Special Anniversary: 430 Years Since the Miracle
The 2026 edition held particular significance: it marked 430 years since the first miracle of the Madonna della Ghiara (April 29, 1596). The program, promoted by the Fabbriceria della Ghiara with the Order of the Servants of Mary, the Municipality, and the Province of Reggio Emilia, and the Tuscan-Emilian Apennine National Park, combined art, faith, and science over four intense days.
The absolute protagonist was the light show projected for three nights onto the basilica's facade, featuring Enrico Magnani's "Supernova" paintings animated by Kerstin Petrick. Accompanying this were the concert by the Choir of San Francesco da Paola directed by Silvia Perucchetti, the opening of the Ghiara Museum, the evening walk along the Crostolo, and the photographic exhibition on Marian devotion.
Programme Waiting for the Miracle 2026
Sunday, April 26
- 4:30 PM — Concert by the Choir of San Francesco da Paola, directed by Silvia Perucchetti, inside the Basilica (Maestro Renato Negri on organ)
- 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM — Opening of the Ghiara Museum, curated by the Civic Museums
- 8:45 PM — "Walk along the ancient bank of the Crostolo", discovering the images of the Madonna della Ghiara in the city (starting and returning to the Basilica, no reservation required)
From Sunday, April 26 to Tuesday, April 28 (nights)
- 10:00 PM - 4:00 AM — Light show on the Basilica's facade: paintings from Enrico Magnani's "Supernova" series, digitally animated by Kerstin Petrick, intertwine with the sacred images of Marchino's miracle
Monday, April 27
- 8:30 PM — Inauguration of the photographic exhibition "The Madonna della Ghiara in devotional images from Reggio to Fivizzano", open for three weeks during Basilica opening hours
Tuesday, April 28
- 8:30 PM — Moment of prayer and reflection with the Community of the Servants of Mary and the Urban Vicariate
Wednesday, April 29
- 6:30 PM — Eucharistic celebration presided over by Archbishop Giacomo Morandi, on the anniversary of the miracle
Highlights Waiting for the Miracle 2026
Prices Waiting for the Miracle 2026
Practical information — Waiting for the Miracle
Where
Basilica of the Blessed Virgin of Ghiara, Corso Garibaldi, Reggio Emilia (RE), in the historic center.
How to get there
Reggio Emilia train station is about 1.5 km from the basilica, reachable on foot or by city buses. By car, take the Reggio Emilia (A1) highway exit; it is advisable to park near the center and continue on foot, as Corso Garibaldi is largely pedestrianized.
Admission
The events are free and open to the public. The light show on the facade is visible from the outside during evening and night hours.
Tip
The projections take place late in the evening and at night: bring a warm layer and take advantage of the walk along the Marian images in the city.
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Where does it take place — Waiting for the Miracle
Basilica della Beata Vergine della Ghiara
Corso Garibaldi 42, 42121 Reggio nell'Emilia