Ancona celebrates Festa del Mare honoring Saint Francis of Assisi

The city of Ancona held its 44th annual Festa del Mare, themed ‘Un mare di pace’ (A Sea of Peace), to commemorate the 800th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi. The event highlighted the historical connection between the saint and the port, noting that Saint Francis departed from Ancona in 1219 as a pilgrim of peace during the fifth crusade.

The celebrations included a maritime procession starting from the San Francesco pier, featuring a statue of Madonna Stella Maris accompanied by a naval parade of tugboats, fishing vessels, workboats, and private boats. Local authorities, including Mayor Daniele Silvetti and Archbishop Angelo Spina, participated in the procession. During the event, a laurel wreath was cast into the sea in memory of those who have lost their lives at sea.

Following the procession, Archbishop Spina presided over a Holy Mass at the San Francesco pier. The festivities also featured musical performances at the Cathedral of San Ciriaco, involving a large choir and orchestra to honor the legacy of Saint Francis.