The party Santa Maria de Merino, celebrated every 9st May, is the religious event most felt by the people of Vieste. A celebration that has its roots in an ancient history and has consolidated over the centuries as a moment of deep devotion, but also of joy and aggregation for the entire community.
The origin of the cult of Santa Maria di Merino: the discovery of the statue
Tradition has it that the wooden statue of the Madonna was found on the Merino beach (Scialmarino) by two fishermen, one from Vieste and one from Peschici. Both wanted to take it to their own country, but unable to reach an agreement, they decided to trust in fate: they tied the statue to a cart pulled by an ox from Vieste and one from Peschici, letting the animals choose their direction. The cart headed towards Vieste, thus marking the birth of the Marian cult in the town.
The site was later built near the beach where the discovery was made. Sanctuary of Santa Maria di Merino, which is still today a destination for pilgrimages and the central place of celebration.
According to tradition, the sanctuary would be built where it once stood Merinum, an ancient settlement.
Some documents attest to the existence of a bishopric of Merinum until 1099, then unified with that of Vieste by Pope Pasquale II. The hypotheses on the disappearance of the city range from floods, earthquakes, Saracen invasions, malaria... or its simple non-existence.
In 1954, an earthquake brought to light Roman remains: a villa and an agricultural farm from the XNUMXst century BC to the XNUMXth century AD, with mosaics, hydraulic systems and containers for oil and wine, confirming the ancient agricultural vocation of the area.
An archaeological excavation campaign attempted to give historical form to the myth of Merino, fueled for centuries by fantastic tales. The expectations of discovering a large Roman city were however disappointed: the remains of a simple rustic villa emerged with traces of buildings, cisterns and pipes, evidence of an agricultural settlement and not of a maritime emporium. Despite this, Merino remains fascinating for its symbolic and human value, today threatened by abandonment and neglect, many finds were later damaged by neglect and vandalism.
According to modern scholars, “Merinum” derives from “Marina”, that is, the marina of ancient Vieste (Uria), and the sanctuary could be built on an ancient temple of Demeter, linked to the rites of grain. The remains in the surrounding area, however, testify to the presence of Roman and early Christian settlements in the area.
The May 9th Procession: A Journey of Faith and History
The party starts with nine days of prayer in Cathedral, during which the statue of the Madonna is moved to the central nave and surrounded by the effigies of the most venerated saints in Vieste.
Il 9st May, the Madonna of Merino is carried in procession from the Cathedral to the Sanctuary.
Accompanying her are the statues of the saints, who open the procession with solemnity. At the head of the procession we find St. George, co-patron of the city, followed by Saint Anthony of Padua, Saint Joseph, Saint Francis of Paola, the Archangel Gabriel, Raphael and MichaelThis parade of saints seems to want to represent a real celestial protection along the way.
Feast of Santa Maria di Merino, 1951 – unknown author
One of the most exciting moments of the day is the change of the “cash register”: the Madonna, initially transported in the sumptuous “city chest”, is transferred to the simpler and lighter one, called the “country chest”, which will accompany her to the Sanctuary. This passage symbolically represents the closeness of the Virgin to both the citizens and the farmers.
Along the way, the statue makes several stops at the so-called "Madonna stones", traditional points of prayer and devotion. Cross the beach of Scialmarino, the place of the legendary discovery, and finally reaches the Sanctuary, where the blessing of the fields takes place.
On the way back, the Madonna is carried to the city with her face turned towards the hinterland, to protect the fields and the farmers. One of the last stops takes place on the San Lorenzo Hill, where the faithful light torches and sing songs, creating an evocative atmosphere.
The entrance into the town takes place amidst fireworks displays and festively lit arches. Symbolically, the Madonna is given the keys of the city, as a sign of trust and protection of the entire community.
May 10: Music, Fun and Popular Festival
If the 9st May it is the day of religious solemnity, the 10st May it becomes an occasion for popular celebration, with an authentic atmosphere typical of great patronal celebrations.
The streets fill up with stalls, rides and shows, creating a festive atmosphere that involves the entire city. Live music, concerts in the square and fireworks are moments awaited by both Viestani and visitors. Tradition dictates that the party continues until late at night with dancing, laughter and the desire to be together.
The lights turned on, the smell of candy floss and local specialities spreading through the streets, the attractions for the little ones and the musical groups playing in the streets transform Vieste into a place of joy and sharing.
The celebration today: between tradition and faith
Even today, the feast of Santa Maria di Merino represents a moment of strong identity for the people of Vieste. Every year, citizens who live far away return to the village to participate in the procession and celebrations, testifying to an indissoluble bond with their land and their protector.
The processional parade continues to unite religiosity and folklore, while the following day offers everyone the chance to enjoy a true village festival, where tradition and fun blend into a single, unforgettable celebration.
At the link you can find the program of the Feast of Santa Maria 2025
