Feast of Maria Santissima della Montagna in Taurianova
Live the Marian devotion of Taurianova (RC) for Maria Santissima della Montagna
Religious
Festa di Maria Santissima della Montagna, Taurianova - Pro Loco Taurianova nel Cuore
The Feast of Maria Santissima della Montagna in Taurianova, in the province of Reggio Calabria, is one of the most heartfelt Marian festivals in the province.
The Taurianova Festival is held every year, between the end of August and the first ten days of September, to honour the town's patron saint.
According to the tradition reported by Latinist Francesco Sofia Alessio, the origins of the Feast of Maria Santissima della Montagna date back to the 19th century, when on the night of 9 September, one of the faithful in prayer noticed the movement of the pupils of the painting of the Madonna. The miraculous event involved the entire community, which has celebrated it in a characteristic manner ever since.
The central moment of the Feast of Maria Santissima della Montagna takes place around the Shrine of the same name, in a panoramic position, but the most folkloristic rituals begin a few days earlier, with the opening of the novena and U ‘mbìtu (the invitation): the characteristic bonfire around which the community gathers in the space in front of the Mother Church (Jubilee Church 2025). In ancient times, the smoke from the bonfire was a signal ‘’invitation‘’ to participate in the festivities to the entire neighbouring territory.
A curiosity? In the large bonfire, lupins (luppinàzzi) are burned, which, according to legend, are linked to a particular episode of the Escape to Egypt.
