600 years of tradition: the Ancient Fiera delle Grazie (2025 Edition) celebrates faith, art and culture
From August 14 to 17, the charming village of Grazie di Curtatone (MN), nestled in the heart of the Mincio Park, will host the 600th edition of the historic Fiera delle Grazie – one of Italy’s longest-running folk festivals. A unique blend of spirituality, street art, culture and celebration, this year’s event takes on special meaning as it coincides with the Jubilee.
Ianua Coeli: a Collective work for the Jubilee
On August 13, the festival opens with Ianua Coeli, a large-scale collaborative artwork designed by art historians Paola Artoni and Paolo Bertelli, in partnership with legendary 3D street artist Kurt Wenner. Inspired by the Blessed Virgin of Grazie and Marian tradition, the piece will be created by top-ranking Madonnari artists and will serve as a symbolic Holy Door for pilgrims. Visitors can contribute by adding wax ex-votos, thanks to a special collaboration with the Mantua Art School.
51st National Gathering of the Madonnari: Madonnas of the World
The heart of the Fiera is the National Gathering of the Madonnari, the world’s most important event dedicated to chalk art. From 7 a.m. on August 14 to 4 p.m. on August 15, 118 artists – including 28 from abroad – will transform the square in front of the Sanctuary into an open-air gallery, interpreting the theme “By Grace Received: Madonnas of the World in Grazie.”
Their works will depict Marian shrines from every continent:
- Americas: Guadalupe and shrines across North, Central and South America
- Africa: Egypt, Ivory Coast, Algeria
- Asia & Oceania: Ephesus, Nagasaki, the Philippines, Sydney, Canugra
- Europe: Lourdes, Medjugorje, Loreto, Pompei, Santa Maria Maggiore
- Italy & Mantua: Madonna della Comuna, Possenta, Santa Caterina, and the Madonna of Mantua (Prague)
The jury, chaired by historian Giordano Bruno Guerri, will announce the winners on August 15.
Fiera delle Grazie 2025: highlights
Wednesday, August 13
- 9 p.m.: Magnificat by Vivaldi at the Sanctuary, performed by the Verdi Orchestra of Buscoldo
Thursday, August 14
- 8:30 a.m.: Blessing of the chalk
- 6 p.m.: Official opening ceremony
- 8:30 p.m.: Musical Rosary with diocesan choirs
- 9:15 p.m.: Marian prayer “Mira il tuo popolo o bella Signora”
- 10 p.m.: Jazz concert by Campiani Ensemble
Friday, August 15
- 5 p.m.: Panel on Marian devotion across cultures
- 8:30 p.m.: Fior di Loto award to Mariastella Gelmini
- 9 p.m.: Madonnari awards ceremony
- 10 p.m.: Talk by Giacomo Cecchin on pilgrimages and travelers
Saturday, August 16
- 7 p.m.: Book presentation The Madonnari Paint the Divine Comedy by Italo Scaietta
- 9 p.m.: InCanto Grazie 2025 Song Festival hosted by Chiara Squaglia and Gianluca Federici
Sunday, August 17
- 6:30 p.m.: Book presentation The Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Grazie (ZeL Edizioni)
- 9 p.m.: Concert Something Remains – A Tribute to Italian Songwriters with Lalo Cibelli
- 11 p.m.: Pyromusical show and DJ set to close the festival
A Festival full of life
Throughout the event, the village will come alive with:
- Artisan stalls and local food
- Historical reenactments with musicians and flag throwers (Aug 14 & 16, 6–9 p.m.)
- Street performances by Pass Pass
- Horse village (Aug 14–17)
- Grazie Bimbi kids’ area with giant games and workshops (Aug 15–17)
- Live music and retro vibes in the Youth Area every night
Voices from the Fiera delle Grazie 2025
Carlo Bottani, Mayor of Curtatone and President of the Province of Mantua:
“This year’s Fiera is even more meaningful – we celebrate 600 years of history, tradition and devotion. The theme ‘Madonnas of the World’ is a universal message of peace and hope. Our Madonnari are true ambassadors of beauty and spirituality”
Federico Longhi, Deputy Mayor of Curtatone:
“With Ianua Coeli, we leave behind a fleeting yet eternal mark. The Fiera is growing as a shared cultural heritage, with art, music and spaces for everyone. We want it to remain the people’s festival – alive, inclusive, unforgettable”
Barbara Mazzali, Regional Minister for Tourism:
“The Fiera is a six-century thread that weaves sacred art and popular talent. The Madonnari turn the square into an open-air studio. It’s experiential and spiritual tourism that revives villages and communities. No skyscraper tells our story like the gentle strength of tradition”
An Experience to Remember
Whether you’re an art lover, a music enthusiast, a pilgrim or simply curious, the Antichissima Fiera delle Grazie is a one-of-a-kind celebration where every corner tells a story and every gesture is filled with meaning.
Walk among the Madonnari’s masterpieces, enjoy concerts under the stars, take part in moments of prayer and reflection, and discover the village of Grazie like never before.
Save the dates and join the celebration!
August 14–17, 2025 Grazie di Curtatone (MN), Mincio Park
Don’t miss the 600th edition of one of Italy’s most enchanting festivals. Share the event, invite your friends and family, and get ready for four unforgettable days of art, faith and joy.
Grazie awaits you… where every step is a pilgrimage and every glance a work of art.
