Feast of the Immaculate Conception
Religious festival on December 8th in Bastia, Haute-Corse
About Feast of the Immaculate Conception
The Feast of the Immaculate Conception in Bastia
The Feast of the Immaculate Conception is one of the most deeply rooted religious celebrations in Bastia, Haute-Corse. It is held annually on December 8th, the day of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. It is organized by the Brotherhood of the Immaculate Conception, founded in 1588, one of the oldest brotherhoods in the city.
A unique Corsican tradition
Corsica is the only region in France where the Immaculate Conception is celebrated on December 8th. This singularity dates back to 1735: the Corsican insurgents, gathered in a consulta, then placed their young nation under the protection of the Immaculate Conception, from which the anthem « Dio Vi Salvi Regina » originated. December 8th thus takes on both a spiritual and an identity dimension in Bastia.
Day's program
The celebration traditionally takes place at the Oratory of the Immaculate Conception (A Cuncezziò, rue Napoléon) and at the San Ghjuvà church. The day combines several masses — including a mass in the Corsican language — and a procession during which the faithful carry the statue of the Virgin through the streets of the Terra Vechja district. The solemnity dedicated to the Immaculate Conception gathers the brotherhood at the end of the day before the procession.
A heritage event
Beyond its religious dimension, this festival highlights Bastia's baroque heritage, particularly the brotherhood's oratory, a jewel of Corsican religious art. It contributes to the city's cultural and tourist life in the heart of winter.
Feast of the Immaculate Conception — edition 2026
Feast of the Immaculate Conception — December 8, 2026
The Feast of the Immaculate Conception will be held on Tuesday, December 8, 2026 in Bastia, Haute-Corse, the day of the patronal feast celebrated by the Confrérie de l'Immaculée Conception. As every year, the day combines masses — including one in the Corsican language at the Oratoire de l'Immaculée Conception (A Cuncezziò, rue Napoléon) — and a procession of the statue of the Virgin through the streets of the historic Terra Vechja district. Corsica is the only region in France where this feast is celebrated on December 8.
Programme Feast of the Immaculate Conception 2026
The schedule follows the confraternity's tradition each year (definitive times communicated by the parish / Tourist Office closer to December 8):
- Morning mass in Corsican language at the Oratoire de l'Immaculée Conception (A Cuncezziò)
- High mass at San Ghjuvà church
- Gathering of the confraternity for the solemnity dedicated to the Immaculate Conception, followed by the traditional procession of the statue of the Virgin in the Terra Vechja district
Highlights Feast of the Immaculate Conception 2026
- Religious feast on Tuesday, December 8, 2026
- Masses at the Oratoire de l'Immaculée Conception (A Cuncezziò) and at San Ghjuvà church
- Procession of the Virgin in the Terra Vechja district
- Organized by the Confrérie de l'Immaculée Conception (founded in 1588)
Prices Feast of the Immaculate Conception 2026
Practical information — Feast of the Immaculate Conception
Practical Information
Date
Annually on December 8th, in Bastia (20200), Haute-Corse.
Locations
Oratory of the Immaculate Conception – A Cuncezziò (rue Napoléon, Terra Vechja district) and San Ghjuvà church.
Access
Celebration in the heart of old Bastia (Terra Vechja). Parking available near the historic city center.
Prices
Free admission.
Contact
Bastia Tourist Office: 04 95 54 20 40 — [email protected]
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Where does it take place — Feast of the Immaculate Conception
Oratoire de l'Immaculée Conception – A Cuncezziò
Rue Napoléon, quartier Terra Vechja, 20200 Bastia, 20200 Bastia