Every year, even today, the people of Sappada exhibit their devotion by making the pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of the Madonna Addolorata (‘Our Lady of Sorrows’) in the village of Maria Luggau, not far away in Austria.
The pilgrimage originated as a vow to the Virgin in 1804 to ward off the plague that had struck the livestock and which risked causing a serious famine.
The departure is set for the third weekend of September. The procession starts at dawn on Saturday from the church of Cima, proceeding along the Val Sesis, past the Piave Springs at the foot of Monte Peralba, reaching the Calvi refuge from where it proceeds towards the border with Austria. After a few stops along the way (Hochweisssteinhütte Refuge, Malga Ingridhütte and Plodar ròschte), the procession continues to the Frohn locality for Mass and then continues on its way to the destination. In total it takes about 9 hours and covers 32 km (20 miles), to honour this ancient vow.
The pilgrimage is also an opportunity to strengthen the bond of friendship between the communities of Sappada and Maria Luggau, which has lasted for centuries. Frequent exchanges beyond the mountains continued until the middle of the 20th century, after World War Two, including through smuggling.
The following morning, after the celebration of Mass in the Basilica, the pilgrims return to Sappada along the same route. Welcomed by the population which remained in the village, they continue to the church of Santa Margherita, where a Te Deum of thanksgiving is sung together.
