The first pilgrimage that took Notre Dame de Bon Port from the summit of La Garoupe to Antibes was in around the year 1000. The millennium of this pilgrimage was celebrated in 1981.
The tradition of the processions and the statue of the Virgin Mary remaining in Antibes possibly started in the 16th century when the Plague claimed 100 victims in the town. The epidemic was raging when residents learnt that after the statue of Notre Dame de la Garde was carried down from the hill in Marseilles by sailors and churchmen the Plague ended. Notre Dame de Bon Port was brought down to rest within the city walls and some days and many prayers later the plague ceased.
The tradition of bringing the Virgin down from La Garoupe has continued ever since.
Thursday 3 July
6.15 Mass, Sanctuary de la Garoupe. 7.00 Benediction of the Earth and the Sea, and at 7.15 Descent of the Virgin to Antibes, sermons at various shrines. 9.00 Mass, Antibes Cathedral.
20.30 Prayers at Antibes Cathedral, songs to the Virgin and song by Antibes Mariners.
Friday 4 July
Antibes Cathedral
20.30 Prayers, songs to the Virgin and song by Antibes Mariners.
21.00 New traditional music concert by the Latines group.
Saturday 5 July
20.30 Prayers at Antibes Cathedral songs to the Virgin and song by Antibes Mariners.
21.00 Descent with lanterns, followed by Great fire of joy at Gravette beach
Sunday 6 July
6.15 Mass at Antibes Cathedral, 6.45 Departure of procession for Garoupe, sermons at various shrines
Sanctuary de la Garoupe
8.30 Arrival, rest for the faithful and sale of traditional fougasettes bread.
