91st Festa della Madonna del Lume
Blessing of the Fishing Fleet Ceremony
Saturday, October 3 & Sunday, October 4, 2026
North Beach and Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco, CA
La Festa della Madonna del Lume (Mother of the Light) is one of many traditional celebrations Italian immigrants brought to the United States. This particular Sicilian Festa honors Mary, guardian & patroness of fishermen, with a Mass, Procession and the ancient ritual of the blessing of the fishing fleet. Its origins are in the little Sicilian fishing village of Porticello.
It is a time for families and friends to come together in memorial, prayer, thanks and celebration.
Viva, Madonna del Lume! Viva!
Saturday, October 3
10:00AM | La Madonna del Lume Memorial Mass
At the Fishermen's and Seamen's Memorial Chapel at Fisherman's Wharf, Pier 45.
This is a religious service dedicated to the memory of fishermen and seamen lost or passed at sea.
To donate flowers for the Memorial Ceremony at Sea in memory of a loved one - please send in the enclosed dedication card. Names to be read aloud aboard.
11:15AM | Memorial Ceremony at Sea and Fishing Boat Parade - bring flowers for Ceremony!
Honoring all fishermen and seamen lost/passed at sea. Board Red & White Fleet Vessel at Pier 43-1/2 for the Wreath Ceremony beneath the Golden Gate Bridge. Vessel returns by 1:30 PM.
Sunday, October 4
11:45AM | La Madonna del Lume High Mass
At S.S. Peter and Paul Church (Filbert & Powell Streets in North Beach)
Please pick up a parking pass for Filbert Street in the Church entryway prior to Mass.
1:00PM | "Spuntino" (In the Gym)
Please contact us if you would like to donate baked goods, help setup.
Bring your reusable water bottle for the Procession!
1:45PM | La Madonna del Lume Procession lineup
Starts in front of S.S. Peter and Paul Church.
Processes down Columbus Ave. to Fisherman's Wharf where it concludes by Pier 45 at the Fishermen's and Seamen's Memorial Chapel for the Blessing of the Fishing Fleet at approximately 2:30pm.
CABLE CAR - Priority given to Elders + those with Physical Limitations.
4:45PM | Family & Friends Dinner & SILENT AUCTION
At the San Francisco Italian Athletic Club.
Includes a glass of wine! No Host Cocktails. No Refunds.
Featuring Accordionist George Campi!
Volunteers wanted!
Madonna del lume contacts
General & Membership Info: MDLnewsSF@gmail.com | Membership: Brigida Bell-Corona
Dinner & Volunteering: MDLnewsSF@yahoo.com | Rose Cannizzaro or Christina Balistreri
Mass & Procession: Antonia Ferretti or Brianna Wraa | MDLqueensCourt@gmail.com
Società di Maria Santissima del Lume & Madonna del Lume Celebration Committee
450 Beach St., San Francisco, CA 94133 - 501(c)(3) non-profit
Tax ID 94-6092765