"U Juarnu 'a Madonna": a must for both locals and non-locals! Yes, it's indispensable. A festival you can't miss, a spectacle you simply must attend. And not just for the religious celebrations, which many may not share. The fair, the illuminations, and the huge influx of pilgrims lend a special atmosphere to the entire town. In fact, while it remains deserted throughout the winter, it becomes a bustling hub in August.
When the feast of the Madonna was celebrated in June
In the early years after the Temple in Visora was built, for 25 years to be precise, the feast was celebrated on June 24th. Later, it was decided that the solemn feast day dedicated to the Blessed Virgin should be moved to the last Sunday in August, because in June, people were busy in the fields harvesting the crops and had limited time to attend the sacred services. Since 1607, the celebrations have been held on the last Sunday in August. Today, as then, thousands upon thousands of people parade before the statue of the Madonna on feast days. Pilgrims Coming from the villages of the Lamezia Terme area and the Savuto Valley, each with their own story, they prostrate themselves at the feet of the Virgin to ask for a grace, or simply to pay homage to her.
U Juarnu 'a Madonna…yesterday!
In years past, it was customary to enter the church with enormous baskets filled with freshly baked bread. Between the Saturday and Sunday of the feast, it was customary to spend the night in the church, crouched in the side aisles praying and singing. The farmers from our mountain hamlets would descend on foot with barrel organs and accordions, forming long processions that wound through the green woods. Outside the church, in the churchyard, there were numerous stalls selling sacred objects, candles, mostaccioli, and orange blossomsToday, something has changed, but not too much.
The celebrations today
Most of the faithful arrive in Conflenti by car. However, pilgrims from some neighboring parishes still practice walking to the now-obsolete site. Minor BasilicaFrom Falerna, Martirano, Motta S. Lucia, Soveria Mannelli, Tiriolo, and beyond, the devotees set out along country lanes to reach Conflenti. Some of the faithful kneel down the church's central nave to lay flowers and necklaces of paper money at the foot of the altar. After making their vows, they wander around the fair, and then wander around the various street corners. Someone plays cheerful Calabrian music on the accordion, and men and women dance, while onlookers look on in amusement.
Events for the Feast of Our Lady 2019
This year's regular events include the midnight fireworks display on the Saturday before the feast and the start, immediately after, of the vigil in honor of the Madonna. Sunday, August 25th, is undoubtedly an important day. The 10:30 a.m. Mass is presided over by the newly elected Bishop of Lamezia Terme, Msgr. Giuseppe Schillaci. At 5:00 p.m., the release of balloons accompanies the exit of the statue of the Virgin from the Basilica for the start of the procession through the town. This procession once marked the end of the festivities. For some years now, however, many have been looking forward to Monday. 'u Luni a MadonnaA nostalgic day for everyone. Or rather, for those who live in Conflenti year-round, it certainly is!
But that's a whole other story…stay tuned!
