As every summer, Nice pays tribute to the vow made by the residents of the Malonat neighborhood, expressed in 1854 during the cholera epidemic. A religious and popular celebration marked by processions and traditional songs.
On July 26 and 27, 2025, the Old Nice neighborhood will once again host the Fรชte du Malonat. This votive festival, born out of a collective vow in 1854, remains a significant event of the year for many residents.
On Saturday evening, the celebration will begin at 8 p.m. with a rosary in front of the Oratory of Malonat. At 8:30 p.m., a torchlight procession will ascend Rue Droite to the oratory. The folk group Lou Cairรจu Niรงart will accompany the faithful with music.
On Sunday morning, mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. at the Church of Gesรน. Father Innocent Adanlete will preside over the ceremony. The choir of La Ciamada Nissarda will provide musical accompaniment. At the end of the mass, a new procession will lead participants to the oratory where a blessing will take place. A friendly drink will then be shared on the Terrassa dei Prioulessa.
A tradition that spans centuries
The Fรชte du Malonat originates from a significant episode in Nice’s history. In July 1854, a cholera epidemic struck the city. The residents of the Malonat neighborhood then entrusted themselves to the Virgin Mary. Prayers were organized, followed by a collective vow. On August 2, 1854, a thanksgiving ceremony marked the end of the epidemic.
Women of the neighborhood, since called the “Prieuresses,” launched a public subscription to erect an oratory in honor of Our Lady of Good Help. The inauguration took place on September 8, 1854. Since then, the celebrations have been held annually without interruption, even in 2020, in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Saturday evening procession symbolizes the arrival of the Virgin at the church. The Sunday procession returns her to the oratory located at the top of Rue du Malonat. This sanctuary was restored in 1966. The statue of the Virgin has also been restored several times, in 1993 and 2006. A new banner was inaugurated in 2001.
Even today, the Prieuresses decorate the street and ensure the organization of the festival. Their commitment allows this tradition to endure over time, at the heart of Old Nice.
