This annual festival is celebrated on May 9th and is one of the most important local festivities in the city of Vieste. Every year hundreds of Italians come from around the world, many returning home to participate in the procession from the cathedral all the way to the sanctuary, located 7 kilometers from the city center. The Madonna is solemnly enthroned and carried throughout the town arriving at City Hall. Here, She is placed on a lighter throne and carried for 7 kilometers up to the sanctuary on the shoulders of local townspeople. Of particular significance is the way Her throne is oriented, it was built so She faces sideways so that during the way up to the sanctuary, She faces the sea and on the way back, She faces the fields thus protecting the two main historical sources of livelihood of the local populations.