Madonna in the square: Easter tradition in Sulmona - news from Immobiliare.it

In the city of Sulmona, in the province of L'Aquila, an exciting and deeply religious event has been taking place for centuries. It is about the Madonna running into the square, celebrating the touching moment when the Virgin Mary learns about her Resurrected Son. This is when you can witness this special event, during which the Madonna rushes on shoulders in a frenzied run towards the Risen Christ.

The origin of the tradition

The tradition of the presentation in Sulmona dates back to ancient times, as confirmed by documents stored in local archives. The Brotherhood of Saint Mary of Loreto, the organizer of the event, has a photograph from 1861, but it is believed that its origins may even go back to the Middle Ages. This ritual fits into a broader context of religious events that are common in various parts of Italy.

What makes the performance in Sulmona unique?

This is a special run that Madonna performs upon discovering the Risen Son. This distinctive element sets it apart from other Easter events and connects it to the celebrations in some Sicilian towns known as "Aurora."

How is the event going?

As the crowd fills the square where the event is taking place, a silence and sanctity reign inside the picturesque church of San Filippo Neri. Here, the statue of the Madonna is draped in sorrow, dressed in a funeral gown, unable to do anything but weep for her deceased Son, who sacrificed himself for the redemption of humanity.

• At 11:30, the statues of Saints Peter and John appear in the square, whose task is to announce to the Virgin about the resurrection of her Son; a procession of small lanterns precedes the two statues, which are carried by four confraternity brothers to the Church of San Filippo; here they stop at the threshold.
• The tradition states that before the Madonna leaves her place of prayer, the saints make three calls to announce the resurrection of Christ.

Ancient beliefs associated with the ritual

The Madonna's run is closely watched by the participants, as traditionally and according to popular belief, its smooth execution signifies a prosperous year for the city and a bountiful natural harvest.

When and where to see Madonna running?

An exciting celebration takes place on Easter Sunday in the magnificent Garibaldi Square, in the heart of the city. Tourists from all corners of the world and the residents of Sulmona gather en masse in the festive atmosphere surrounding the event.