Feste e Tradizione

We were privileged be at the festa held in honour of the Madonna del Perpetuo Succorso, in the tiny town of Soccorso, in the hills above Milazzo.

The bunting was out

The altar was ready in the church

The snack stands just waiting for business

The church bell tolls, balloons are released

And the Madonna, all 800 odd kilos of her, starts her annual pilgrimage around the village on the shoulders of the willing and able, led by the Women's Guild and followed by a brass band, the Priest, Mayor, dignitaries and townsfolk.

The Madonna reaches the piazza after her first circuit and fireworks explode, it's so loud you can't believe it! The shock waves travel up your arms and your heart almost stops!

Off she goes again for a different circuit of the village as night falls

 

The festival lights come on and you leave, knowing that the Madonna will be visiting more narrow, cramped streets for a few more hours yet before being able to return to her church