Every year, just a few days before spring, Ajaccio celebrates Notre Dame de la Miséricorde, the town's patron saint...

statue of A MAdonuccia in Ajaccio cathedral

The origins of A Madonuccia

In 1656, an epidemic of plague severely affected Italy, including the city of Genoa, under whose yoke was Corsica. Fearing that the disease would devastate the imperial city, the Council of Elders decided to place the town of Ajaccio under the protection of Our Lady of Mercy. Processions were held in the town streets, and plague-infested Genoese ships never docked in Ajaccio.

As a result, the people of Ajaccio celebrate it on March 18 with a mass in Ajaccio cathedral, and it has become a public holiday.

Procession and candles in the windows

The Madonuccia celebrations begin on the evening of March 17.
The people of Ajaccio come to light candles in Place Foch (also known as Place des Palmiers), at the foot of the statue of the Virgin Mary.

The facades of the buildings glow with the light of the candles lit in the windows and balconies that evening.
The following day, after mass, a procession takes place through the streets of the town with the statue of Notre Dame de la Miséricorde.

statue of the Virgin

Religious and official ceremonies

Sunday, March 17, 2024
9:00 pm: Pontifical Hymn in the presence of His Eminence Cardinal François Bustillo (Cathedral square) followed by the procession to Place Foch

10:00 pm: Vigil and aubade by the Municipal Band (Place Foch)

Monday, March 18, 2024
10:30 a.m.: Pontifical Mass by H.E. Mgr Edgar Peña Parra, Substitute for the Vatican Secretariat of State.
Greetings from the Magnificent Elders, delivered by the Mayor and his councillors.

12:00: Aubade by the Musique Municipale followed by a vin d'honneur, place Foch

4:30pm: Solemn procession from the Cathedral.
Direction rue Forcioli-Conti, boulevard Danielle Casanova, rue Bonaparte, stop Place Foch, rue Fesch, stop San Rucchellu, stop Piazzetta, Cours Napoléon, stop église Saint-Roch, avenue Antoine Serafini, rue Forcioli-Conti, Cathedral.