Madonna dell'Altomare

On the first Sunday of September, Otranto dedicates a festival to the Madonna dell'Altomare.

A three-day period of preparation helps the faithful rediscover the Christian meaning of the festival and the presence of Mary in the hearts of the people of Otranto.

The Church of the Madonna dell'Altomare, a jewel of Otranto, perched on the seafront, becomes the spiritual center and identity of the entire city that day. In this festival, everyone recognizes the welcoming tourist spirit of Otranto, the spirit of those who dedicate themselves to safety and peace at sea, the spirit of those who earn their living from the sea through fishing and trade.

On Sunday morning, all celebrations take place in the chapel of the Madonna dell'Altomare, and in the afternoon, the solemn celebration of the Eucharist, presided over by the Archbishop, takes place in the square below the small church.

The fishermen of Otranto accompany the statue of the Virgin, a valuable work from the late 19th century, to the aforementioned square for the celebration of Mass and then to the Fascio for embarkation. The sea procession begins with the participation of His Excellency the Archbishop, priests, the Mayor of Otranto, civil and military authorities, and the local Association of Italian Sailors and Fishermen working in the port.

The fishing boat carrying the sacred statue is escorted by several sailors, who are also entrusted with the wreath that will be thrown into the sea in memory of all her victims. The fishing boat, followed by a large group of other boats, ferries the statue of the Madonna toward the port. After a brief tour of the Otranto coast, the procession disembarks and returns to the chapel.

The dazzling lights and fireworks are as usual.

RELIGIOUS PROGRAM

CIVIL PROGRAM