Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Ispica

Celebrations of Our Lady of Mount Carmel – An experience between faith and tradition

In the heart of Sicily, Ispica is preparing to experience a month of intense devotion and religious fervor in honor of its heavenly patron, Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

July is transformed into a period rich in moments of prayer, reflection and sharing, culminating in the solemn celebrations that take place around July 16, the date of the liturgical feast of Our Lady.

A unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the deep faith and heartfelt traditions that characterize this community.

The Sedicine:

The setting for these celebrations is the “Sedicina,” an ancient ritual that consists of 16 days of intense spiritual preparation.
Amid prayers, Marian songs and moments of recollection, the faithful prepare to receive the grace and blessing of their beloved Patroness.

Outdoor party:

The culmination of this journey of faith is the “External Feast,” which takes place on the Sunday following July 16.
It is an event full of emotion and involvement, in which the venerated simulacrum of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is taken from its high altar at the shrine and carried in procession through the streets of the city.

A solemn procession:

The procession opens with the confreres devoutly and respectfully carrying the sacred image of Our Lady on their shoulders.
The lavishly decorated ferculum is then hoisted onto a float and accompanied by a multitude of the faithful in prayer and songs of praise.

Between devotion and tradition:

The procession route winds its way through the streets of the historic center, offering an evocative and moving spectacle.
Our Lady, wrapped in a mantle of starry blue, blesses her devotees, while fireworks light up the sky to emphasize the solemnity of the moment.

A deep spiritual experience:

To participate in the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Ispica is not only to attend a folkloric event, but to immerse oneself in an atmosphere of deep spirituality and tradition.
The faces of the faithful, moved and devoted, tell the story of an ancient and unbreakable bond with their patron saint.

An invitation to all:

If you are looking for an authentic and touching experience, rich in faith and tradition, the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Ispica is the perfect opportunity.
Come and discover the deep devotion of this community and be enveloped in the magic of a place where faith is intertwined with history and culture.

A month of celebrations in honor of the patron saint of Ispica

Our Lady of Mount Carmel is the patron saint of Ispica, and the month of July is dedicated to her with a rich program of religious, cultural and recreational events.

Religious celebrations:

• Novena: Held from Friday, July 12 to Saturday, July 20, with Holy Rosary, sung Chaplet and Holy Mass each evening.
• Solemnity of Our Lady of Mount Carmel: Tuesday, July 16 is the highlight of the festivities, with Masses, Consecration of boys and girls, Supplication to Our Lady and Solemn Eucharistic Concelebration.
• External Feast: Sunday, July 21, after Mass, the procession with the simulacrum of Our Lady through the streets of the city, culminating with a fireworks display.
• Octave: Celebrations continue until Sunday, July 28, with Holy Rosary, Holy Mass and the exit of the simulacrum for the last procession.

Cultural and recreational events:

• Photo exhibition: “Carmine: between history and devotion,” at the Auditorium M. Crocifissa Curcio (former S. Anna Church) from Friday, July 12 to Saturday, July 20.
• Children’s Day: Saturday, July 13, with animations, games and the participation of Maga Mandina.
• Review of typical Hispanic cuisine: “Borgo del Carmine in festa,” by Sicilian Food and See You, Friday, July 19 and Saturday, July 20.
• Musical performances: Comedy, music and games during the evenings of July 13, 19 and 20.
• Charity Drawing: Sunday, July 28, to raise funds for families in need in Ispica.

Useful information:

• Full schedule: For a detailed schedule of events, see the Ispica City Council website or the Maria SS. del Carmine Parish Facebook page.
• Getting there: Ispica is located in Sicily, about 70 km from Ragusa and Siracusa.
  It is easily accessible by car, bus or train.
• Where to sleep: Ispica offers several accommodation options, from hotels to agritourisms to bed and breakfasts.

The Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture and traditions of Ispica.
Don’t miss the opportunity to live this authentic and emotionally rich experience!