On Saturday, July 22, and Sunday, July 23, the city of Nice will host the traditional Malonat festival at the Malonat square and street in Old Nice. This festival, which has been held since 1854, is dedicated to Our Lady of Good Help, who protected the city of Nice from the scourges of the plague and cholera.
The first celebration of the Virgin of Malonat took place on August 2, 1854. At that time, a magnificent statue of the Madonna was erected in the Malonat Oratory. Often renovated since then, this plaster statue has recently been restored to its original appearance thanks to a restorer from Old Nice who worked on the statue from February to June 2006.
In the 19th century, a large number of fishermen lived in the Malonat neighborhood. It is for this reason that even today, the flags of Saint Peter and Our Lady of Good Help, the protector of seafarers, are displayed during the Malonat festival.
Program:
Saturday, July 22, 2006
9:30 PM – Rosary at Malonat Rosary Square
10 PM – Procession through the streets of Old Nice: Malonat Square, Malonat Street, Droite Street, Jesuit Church, service at the Jesuit Church.
10:30 PM – Return of the procession: Malonat Street, Malonat Square
Vigil all night for the Virgin of Malonat
Sunday, July 23, 2006
5 PM to 6:30 PM – Mass in front of the oratory, at Rosary Square
