Feast of the Madonna del Carmelo in Leonforte

The Feast of the Madonna del Carmelo in Leonforte is celebrated on August 16 and not on July 16, the day of the liturgical feast, because in ancient times the citizens, who were mainly farmers, in the month of July were busy in the fields for the wheat harvest and could not take part in the celebrations.
Day 16 August, after the celebration of the solemn afternoon mass, the statue of the Madonna comes out of the Mother Church and, through two tracks resting on the steps of the church, is made to slide on the majestic silver fercolo and mixtures with decorations of paintings. The evening procession follows with the musical band and the faithful who crowd along Corso Umberto, the main street of Leonforte which is richly illuminated for the occasion, and in Piazza Cappuccini waiting for the fireworks display. The passage of the fercolo in Corso Umberto is accompanied by festive songs and marches.
The patronal feast ends on the day of the octave, on August 23, when the faithful greet the patron saint in the churchyard with the traditional waving of handkerchiefs whites.
During the celebrations in honor of the Patron Saint of Leonforte, a fair-market is also organized, which is generally located along Corso Umberto.

Dates and Scheduling

16 Aug 2024

08:00 Firing of 101 cannon shots

08:30 Holy Mass
 Chiesa Madre

10:30 Solemn Eucharistic Concelebration presided over by His Excellency: Rev. Mons. Giuseppe Schillaci, Bishop of the diocese of Nicosia, with the presence of the civil and military authorities
At the end of the celebration the Mayor will recite the act of entrustment of the city to the Patroness
 Chiesa Madre

18:30 Holy Mass
 Chiesa Madre

20:00 Procession with the simulacrum of Maria SS. of Carmel, Patron Saint of Leonforte

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