Fête de la Madunuccia

A Madunnuccia, Ajaccio's Patronal Festival

The Feast of Madunnuccia ("A Madunnuccia" in Corsican) is one of the highlights of Ajaccio life. Every March 18th, the city honours Our Lady of Mercy, whom it designated as its protector in 1656: that year, as a plague epidemic struck Genoa and Corsica, the Council of Elders of Ajaccio entrusted the city to the Virgin. The city was spared, and since then, the people of Ajaccio celebrate this deliverance. March 18th is traditionally a public holiday in the commune.

An event deeply rooted in its territory

In the heart of Ajaccio, in Corse-du-Sud, A Madunnuccia brings together faithful, residents, and visitors between the Maria Assunta Cathedral and Place Foch (Place des Palmiers). It is a strong identity-forming event, which goes beyond the sole religious framework to become a moment of cohesion and collective memory for the entire imperial city.

Course of the celebrations

The commemorations begin the evening before: the people of Ajaccio come to light candles on Place Foch, at the foot of the statue of the Virgin, while facades, windows, and balconies are illuminated. On March 18th, a pontifical mass is celebrated at the Maria Assunta Cathedral, followed by a solemn procession carrying the statue of Our Lady of Mercy through the city centre streets, punctuated by stops and prayers taken up by the inhabitants.