The procession is the pretty incredible part of the evening since basically everyone in Mesagne is involved. First the ladies arrive from the other churches in Mesagne singing hymns and veils securely in place. They are followed by the priests and sisters of the town. Within these groups you will find the children that just recently made their First Holy Communion. There is also a marching band made up of no less than 100 musicians. After these groups have lined up, Madonna and child will be brought out from the church and thus begins their journey to Chiesa Madre. As soon as Madonna and child pass you, you are welcome to join the procession and make your way onto what will be their "home" for the next 2 days.
On the way to their destination, Madonna and child make a stop at the bandstand where the mayor of Mesagne will say a few words. We all pause at this point for a prayer and then the band starts up the festivities with Italy's national anthem. Once Madonna and child reach Chiesa Madre, there will be about 15 minutes worth of fireworks and the partying really begins.
So much excitement leads up to these 3 days as we watch workers set up the lights around the villa, see the vendors arrive and set up their stands and the women of the house prepare shopping list after shopping list of the endless courses they will be serving up over the next few days. As a little kid and even now as an adult, I have ALWAYS looked forward to the festival and it will forever hold a special place in my heart.
The procession on the 15th of Madonna and child
Waiting for the fireworks
Family picture in front of the bandstand
One of the many vendors set up around the villa - yum!
The lights around the bandstand
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