 Description:
The Feast of the Most Holy Mary of Custonaci The cult of the Virgin of Custonaci is since late in the sixteenth century one of the most widespread throughout Erice. According to tradition a ship carrying the painting of the Virgin survived a shipwreck and got ashore in Cala Buguto (Cornino). There sailors contruyeron a place of worship in honor of the Virgin of Custonaci that now is the patron saint of Custonaci, Erice and Valderice. Her feast is celebrated each year in the week before last Wednesday of August. On Monday, after the sunset, the "landing of the Virgin" is repeated with the arrival of the painting of the sixteenth century representing the Virgin in the cove of Cala Buguto. While it get closer, other boats of fishermen came up to it thus creating a procession in the sea. After landing, fireworks mark the start of the procession on land. The Holy Image is put in a cart and carried on shoulders until the Sanctuary dedicated to Her. The feast ends on Wednesday with the procession of the Virgin in the streets of the city.
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