Sciacca launches month‑long celebrations for 400th anniversary of Madonna del Soccorso

The city of Sciacca (Italy) announced a program of events to mark the fourth centenary of the Madonna del Soccorso, commemorating the 1626 liberation from the plague. The calendar, presented by the archpriest, mayor and tourism officials, runs from 1 to 16 August and combines religious rites, artistic exhibitions, music, theatre and local traditions. Key highlights include an opening art show, the inauguration of a new organ donated by the Lions Club, a narrative walking tour, the “Go Sciacca Go” format on the basilica’s history, and a series of performances on 15 August such as the “Omaggio a Boston”, a procession of the simulacrum, a musical show by the Skené Academy and fireworks from the Levante pier. The festivities conclude on 16 August with a solemn Mass, the ascent of the simulacrum to the main altar and the theatrical‑musical piece “Jauta la cruna di Maria”.