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In Riace the Feast of the Arm for Saints Cosmas and Damian
On the second Sunday in May the procession with the reliquary of the Medical Saints involves the whole community
A silver reliquary in the shape of an arm holds the revered relics of Saints Cosmas and Damian, beloved patron saints of Riace. On the second Sunday in May, the reliquary is carried in procession through the streets of the town and then along country paths to the sea. With the priest and the mayor opening the procession and the band playing, the whole village gathers around the relics. As tradition dictates, having arrived on the beach, the reliquary is loaded onto a boat and carried close to the rock where, according to legend, the footprint of St. Cosmas's foot is imprinted.
The procession is also a rite of prayer against drought, and ears of corn and olive branches are offered . Although less pompous than the three-day celebration in September, the Feast of the Arm is a celebration that involves the entire community and keeps tradition alive.
Next date.
Calendar
Sat 8 May 2027 - Sun 9 May 2027
Sat 13 May 2028 - Sun 14 May 2028
Where
+1
Collections
PNRR a titolarità del Ministero della Cultura (MiC) M1C3 – 2.1 “Attrattività dei borghi” – Linea B – “Borghi in piazza - Spirito d’Oriente in Occidente” – Int. 2 - Digitalizzazione del territorio – CUP F49I22000220006 – CIG B693A24037
