Feast of Our Lady of Aid

A popular feast

The feast of Our Lady of Aid is one of the most heartfelt religious occasions in Nicosia. It is held every year on the first Sunday available after the liturgical feast on 5 May and involves the Parish of Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore, the historic-centre neighbourhood committees and many local associations.

The Nicosian Infiorata

The visual centrepiece of the feast is the Infiorata: in the early hours of Sunday morning, Nicosian florists and volunteers create on the cobblestones of the historic centre large floral compositions reproducing the face of Our Lady, traditional sacred motifs and episodes of the religious life of the town.

The work is usually completed by 11 a.m. and the compositions remain on display until the procession passes through, in the afternoon.

The procession

In the afternoon the vara with the simulacrum of Our Lady of Aid leaves the Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore and proceeds along the traditional route through the historic centre: Piazza Garibaldi, Via Roma, Via Vittorio Emanuele, returning to the Basilica at sunset.

Visiting

• Free entry to the entire programme.
• Recommended period: the Sunday of the first useful week of May. The exact date is published by the parish in April.
• For visitors from outside: the Pro Loco coordinates logistics information (accommodation, parking, station shuttles).

A note of respect

The feast of Our Lady of Aid is a religious moment, not a tourist event. Visitors are invited to behave appropriately, especially during the procession and the solemn Mass in the Basilica.