Festival of the Display of the Virgin’s Girdle on Christmas and the day after at Prato
When you visit Tuscany in December there are very many attractions for Christmas including special markets, beautifully lit cities, squares, churches and shops. But there are a lot of religious festivities as well to enhance the Christmas spirit. The Festival of the Display of the Virgin’s Girdle on Christmas and the day after at Prato is one such not to miss religious festival.
Prato has the distinction of being the holy custodian of the Virgin Mary’s girdle. Although this holy relic is kept heavily guarded throughout the year, on certain occasions including December 25 and 26 it is taken on a procession for the masses. Amidst religious fervour and the beating of drums the Virgin’s Mary’s Girdle is taken on a procession in the piazza for the crowds to venerate this holy object.
The Virgins’ Girdle is securely kept in the “Pulpit of the Sacred Girdle” for the rest of the year. It is in the right hand corner of the façade of the Duomo also known as the Parish Church of Saint Stephens. On the left there is a series of frescoes illustrating the legend of the Virgin’s girdle. Around 1172 it was presented to the church authorities by Michel a merchant who returned to his hometown of Prato.
According to tradition and ecclesiastical authorities the Virgin’s Mary’s girdle is the Sacred and Holy green belt which is green in colour and made of wool. It is considered to be the belt she had given to Saint Thomas before her ascent to heaven.
The girdle or sacred belt is a relic which is venerated by people far and wide. Some believe it has miraculous powers. The procession and festivities are a major attraction of Prato, do join jn and enjoy a religious, sublime and soul stirring Christmas as well as an enjoyable one with us in Tuscany. Merry Christmas!!
