47° Incontro Nazionale Madonnari

08/15/2019

The 47th edition of the National Meeting of Madonnari saw the churchyard of the Sanctuary of Grazie di Curtatone fill with colors and creativity, with all 150 spaces occupied and over 150 works created, thanks also to the participation of six groups. Around twenty Master Madonnari were present, numerous qualified artists, and a large group of amateurs capable of surprising with works of great quality. Among the artists, there was a strong presence of young Mexicans, together with participants from across Latin America – Colombia, Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina – and from various European countries such as Germany, France, and Spain.

Favored by fine weather, the madonnari brought to life works of great visual impact, all inspired by the theme of water, a symbol of life and respect for the environment. The edition was also distinguished by the lively participation of the public, who were able to alternate visits to the sanctuary with moments of celebration, conviviality, and gathering. An atmosphere of friendship and spirituality that made the event even more special.

To view the video it is necessary to accept cookies experience, metering, marketing

Marina Ferrari - President of Pro Loco Curtatone
This is the 47th edition, we are approaching the 50th, so it's a very important event. The pitches are all full, 150 in total, and there are more participants because we have six groups, but in short, there are 150 works. We have many Madonnari masters, about twenty, so there are really a lot of them.
We have several qualified Madonnari, and then there is the large swarm of simple Madonnari. Among them are some fantastic people, fans of wonderful works. This year we have a strong presence of Mexican youngsters, they have come down in a group and so we will have some very interesting works.
However, there are people who come from Colombia, Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina. We have Germans, French, and Spanish people; we have a good variety, as always. I would say that, thanks to the favourable weather, the works are taking shape very well; they are very, very beautiful.
I saw the track, I went there earlier, and I would say that this year the jury will have a lot to discuss, because they are really beautiful, they deserve it. The fair is developing well, people are there, now we'll see.
Peter Assmann - President of the Jury
This year we have a rather unusual jury, because it also includes the director of the Palazzo Ducale in Genoa, Serena Bertolucci, the director of the Galleria Estense, Martina Bagnoli, and the regional secretary of Veneto, Renata Casarin. So there are also names that are a little outside the Mantua area, that's what I wanted to say. I've seen that there is enormous participation, so interest is growing every year.
I see enormous quality in the first round too, and Giulio Romano's call to focus on his creativity has obviously been answered. So I would say the situation is very interesting, and I am very curious about the jury's discussions. Yes, let's see, see you soon.
Carlo Bottani - Mayor of Curtatone
The Madonnari are painting a wonderful palette that evokes real emotions. There are lots of events planned, so we look forward to seeing you there for four more days of celebration, positive energy and enthusiasm. The bridges continue, with two bridges this year, one in the west and one in the east. Brazil will have an institutional stand throughout the fair, and on Saturday afternoon at 5pm there will be a major conference with Father Germano Marani on the Silk Road.
Giorgio Spezzaferri - Deputy Prefect of Mantova
As always, the Prefecture intervened to ensure that this celebration, a great celebration of faith, could take place in the best possible way. Thanks to all the law enforcement agencies, Polizia, Carabinieri, Guardia di Finanza and also Vigili del Fuoco, who do so much for our safety. So, a celebration of faith in this wonderful setting, as well as a celebration of faith of a wonderful nature and of great charm for the art of the Madonnari.
Marco Busca - Bishop of Mantova
As always, this mid-summer event here at Le Grazie attracts people from all over the world, and that's wonderful. The international character of the festival, which started out as something small, is growing ever larger and more universal. This year's theme is also very interesting, the theme of water, because we can all truly love the environment, which is the place where we live. Today, there are many people here seeking beautiful, relaxing relationships, friendship, spirituality, prayer, with a visit to the sanctuary, but also moments of conviviality, entertainment, encounter and celebration together.
So I wish everyone a happy midsummer celebration, a happy Assumption Day that is truly an opportunity for everyone to relax, experience profound joy and share the beautiful feelings of humanity.
Paola Artoni - Director of Madonnari Museum
A unique genre of street art is developing in Grazie, where masters from every corner of the planet come together and experiment. What we have observed this year is a desire to change their work. We have found masters with well-established art forms who have decided to challenge themselves with experiments they have never tried before. So they too have expressed this desire to find themselves and renew themselves. So there is every hope that this will be a truly amazing edition in terms of quality. We have already seen colours during the night, creating an absolutely magical atmosphere, as always, but with something more, if possible.
There is a team of young people who will surely give us great surprises and satisfaction. This is our confidence for the future, and of course we as a museum will also record this change and this desire to grow. They began working at sunset on 14 August, when the blessing of the chalks in front of the sanctuary marked the beginning, sealing the start of this new edition.
It was a magical moment because sunset gave way to the colours of the night. The night that is not darkness because it is illuminated by their colours and their light. And then the moment of dawn.
Dawn is nature's awakening. Here we are in Mincio Park, surrounded by stunning poetry. And then there is the traditional six o'clock mass, which sees pilgrims slowly arriving in silence in this village.
Nothing can be heard except the murmur of people commenting. Everyone becomes part of this collective artistic gesture.