Feast of the Most Holy Crucifix of Olmo in Mazzarino
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Traditions
The Festa del SS.mo Crocifisso dell'Olmo in Mazzarino is celebrated starting from the second Sunday of May and extends for the entire month. Due to the particularity of the celebrations, the traditions and the legend linked to it, the feast of the Holy Crucifix of the Olmo in Mazzarino has been included in the Register of Intangible Heritage of Sicily and every year it attracts many faithful and onlookers.
The celebrations for the SS.mo Crocifisso in Mazarin begin on May 1st, the day in which pilgrimages to the church of the SS.mo Crocifisso by numerous faithful begin. Pilgrimages take place throughout the month of May.
The eve of the festival is dedicated to the Brotherhoods. We witness the parade of the musical band through the streets of the center and a solemn celebration takes place in which the brothers and the authorities take part. This is followed by the vigil of the Most Holy Crucifix, while the vara is richly decorated with colored flowers.
On the Sunday holiday, in the morning, after the solemn Eucharistic celebration, the traditional and evocative procession takes place. The procession of the simulacrum of the Lord of the Olmo, whose name is linked to a legend, was born in 1693, the year in which the terrible earthquake occurred in the Val di Noto, as a thank you to the Saint for having preserved the city. The SS.mo crucifix is carried on the shoulders of 120 barefoot men dressed in a white coat. During the procession, as per tradition, the children throw crowns of yellow daisies, the ciuri di maju, or May flowers, towards the simulacrum.
During the celebrations, numerous side events are usually organised.
Dates and Scheduling
1 May 2025
18:00 Meeting point.
Basilica Santuario Maria SS.ma del Mazzaro
19:00 Penitential pilgrimage, with the effigy of the Crucifix, towards the church of the SS.mo Crocifisso dell'Olmo.
Chiesa del Santissimo Crocrifisso dell 'Olmo
19:30 Opening of the church and solemn entrance of the Crucifix carried by the Bishop Mons. Rosario Gisana.
(the church will remain closed until it opens at 7:30 pm)
Chiesa del Santissimo Crocrifisso dell 'Olmo
20:00 Blessing of the church (after restoration work) and Eucharistic Celebration.
8 May 2025
19:00 Holy Rosary Sung.
19:30 Celebration of the Eucharist with the participation of Volunteer Associations.
9 May 2025
10:00 Floral tribute from the children of the city to Jesus Crucified.
11:00 THE JOY OF BEING TOGETHER
- In the churchyard, exhibition and blessing of the "Varuzze" prepared by the children.
- Distribution of balloons.
19:00 Holy Rosary Sung.
19:30 Eucharistic celebration with the participation of young people.
10 May 2025
10:00 Rito della professione dei Novizi della Confraternita SS,mo Crocifisso dell'Olmo.
16:30 Parade of the "Santa Cecilia" Band along the main streets of the city.
19:00 Holy Rosary Sung.
19:30 Eucharistic celebration with the participation of the Confraternities and the Civil and Military Authorities.
Prayer to Jesus Crucified for all the Mazzarinesi and the devotees.
Fireworks show.
11 May 2025
06:00 Eucharistic Celebration.
07:00 Celebration of the Eucharist "DEL COLLOQUIO" with the participation of the Brothers of the SS.mo Crocifisso dell'Olmo and presided over by the Rector of the Confraternity Don Lino Mallia.
09:00 Solemn Celebration of the Eucharist presided over by Bishop Mons. Rosario Gisana.
10:00 Procession of the fercolo of the SS.mo Crocifisso dell'Olmo through the streets of the town.
19:00 Holy Rosary.
19:30 Holy Mass.
Fireworks show at Castelvecchio (u cannuni).
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References
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