Festival · September 8, 2026 · Prato, Toscana (PO)
On September 8th, Prato celebrates the feast of the Madonna with a captivating historical parade featuring over 500 participants in period costumes. The most solemn religious moment is the exposition of the Sacra Cintola di Maria at the Duomo. The Fiera di Prato, which begins two days prior, offers children's shows, artisan crafts, street food, and a Luna Park. It's a perfect opportunity to savor traditional Tuscan dishes.
Tuesday, September 8th, 2026 10:30 AM Solemn Pontifical Celebration in the Cattedrale di Santo Stefano, presided over by Monsignor Giovanni Paolo Benotto, Bishop Emeritus of Pisa, and concelebrated by the Bishop of Prato, Giovanni Nerbini, along with the diocesan clergy. This will be followed by the traditional ceremony on the church square for the delivery of the Ceri del Comune to the Cappella della Sacra Cintola. From 7:00 PM Historical groups will gather in Piazza del Comune alongside Mayor Matteo Biffoni, the Gonfalone, municipal Valletti, authorities, representatives from twin and friendly cities, and other historical groups. This year's edition will feature 15 local and guest groups in the parade. Among the most anticipated presences from outside the region are the two traditional Sardinian groups, 'Merdulas' from Ottana, with their typical anthropomorphic wooden masks and sheepskin costumes, and the folk group 'A Manu Tenta' from Osilo. Opening the procession will be a section of the famous peace flag, the largest in the world. This massive banner, one kilometer long and 13 meters wide, was originally created in Prato in 2003 by the 'I Risorti' club to be unfurled on the Calvana during the demonstration against the war in Iraq. The parade will commence from Piazza del Comune at 7:30 PM, moving along a route through the city center streets and entering Piazza del Duomo from Largo Carducci. 600 seats will be set up in the square for the public. Parade Itinerary: Palazzo Comunale, San Francesco, passing through Via Ricasoli. It will continue on Via San Bonaventura, Viale Piave, and Piazza San Marco, Via Mazzini, Via Verdi, Corso Garibaldi, Via Santo Stefano, Via dei Tintori, Piazza Lippi, Via Magnolfi, Via Cavallotti, Via del Serraglio, Via Guizzelmi, Largo Carducci, and will arrive in Piazza del Duomo. After the parade and performances in Piazza Duomo, the event will reach its climax with the Ostensione della Sacra Cintola della Madonna from the pulpit by Donatello and Michelozzo. Mauro Franceschini from the 'I Risorti' club, where the giant peace flag was created, will serve as the witness for the Cintola for the Comune di Prato. 11:15 PM The Ostensione will conclude around 10:30 PM, allowing ample time to move calmly towards Piazza S. Maria delle Carceri to witness the musical fireworks display at 11:15 PM, launched from the Castello dell’Imperatore. This generous break will allow attendees to reach the area safely, without any need to rush.