Amid Change There Is Tradition: Maria SS. Laurentana Society Holds 113th Annual Festival Over Labor Day Weekend

It seems like the world is getting smaller and spinning faster every day. Most would say it is no wonder culture is changing and that people no longer hold to tradition as they did in the past. 

But over the weekend of August 30, 31, September 1 and 2, the Maria Santissima Laurentana Society keeps alive a tradition that dates back to 1623. For over 100 years, the Maria SS. Laurentana Society of Chicago has held the largest celebration in honor of the Holy Image of the Blessed Mother, Our Lady of Altavilla, in the United States. 

“The Society of Maria Santissima Laurentana di Altavilla Milicia is a society that no matter what changes in our culture will be unwavering,” says President, Joseph Camarda, “When people ask why we keep this festival alive even through hard times I tell them that this is our rock that keeps us grounded.”

Its founding is rooted in folk lore that fishermen of Altavilla Milicia, Sicily found the painting of Her Holy Image floating in the sea untouched. When it was brought back, two neighboring towns claimed it belonged to them. To settle the dispute they put the picture on a cart pulled by two oxen and where they stopped was where the sanctuary would be built. Immediately, the oxen took to the highest spot in Altavilla and stayed there without food or water for three days. Since then, the people of Altavilla have held a feast over the first weekend of September in her honor. 

To tell their story, men (fratelli) dress in fishermen’s garb on that Sunday and carry Her Holy Image on a ‘ship’ weighing close to two tons through the streets. On that same Sunday, the Society asks for Her protection with the traditional Flight of the Angels. Two girls are chosen to learn a customary Sicilian prayer that asks this of Our Lady and are ‘flown’ from a rope above the ‘ship’ dressed as angels from heaven. 

“To most, this tradition seems frightening and unnecessary, but to these girls and their families it is an honor,” says Festival Chairman, Carl Reina, “This custom is something of great meaning to our members and we hope to keep it alive for many years to come.”

And even if the streets of the festival are bustling and filled with the smells of Italian cuisine, like any other festival, it is nice to see there are still organizations like the Maria SS. Laurentana Society that take time to step back from their busy lives to nod to tradition and spend time with family. 

This year marks the 113th Annual Festival of the Maria SS. Laurentana Society of Chicago. It will take place on August 30, 31, September 1 and 2 starting at 4:00 p.m. daily in the parking lot of Morton West High School (2400 Home Ave, Berwyn, IL, 60402). Admission is free and open to the public.