FESTA N.S. DELL’ADDOLORATA

The Festa di Nostra Signora dell'Addolorata is a religious celebration held every year in Uscio, a charming municipality in eastern Liguria, on September 15th (vigil) and September 20th. This festival represents a deeply spiritual moment of profound importance for the local community, uniting Marian devotion with traditions rooted in the territory for over three centuries.

Celebrations begin with a solemn procession through the village streets, led by the finely decorated statue of the Virgin of Sorrows adorned with flowers and candles. The faithful and visitors unite in prayer, while the local brass band accompanies the procession with traditional marches. Inside the Parish Church of San Michele Arcangelo, a pontifical Mass is celebrated, followed by moments of silent contemplation and communal rosary recitation. A fascinating characteristic is the traditional "lighting of candles" before the altar of the Virgin, where each participant lights a candle as a personal gesture of devotion.

During the celebrations, social gathering events also take place: women from the community prepare typical Ligurian sweets such as "pan di ramerino" and "biscottini dell'Addolorata", while a small artisan market is set up in the main square. The evenings preceding the main festival are animated by concerts from the parish choir and theatrical performances with religious themes.

Attending the Festa dell'Addolorata in Uscio means immersing yourself in the authentic spirituality of the Ligurian coast, rediscovering a community that carefully preserves its religious roots and values of community solidarity. It is a rare opportunity to understand how Marian tradition continues to weave the social fabric of this mountain village.