Summer Solstice Pilgrimage & Ritual Workshop

June 19 – 29, 2026

Join internationally renowned singer, percussionist, and author Alessandra Belloni for a deep immersion into the ancient devotion of the Black Madonna. From the volcanic shores of Catania to the mystical "Stones of the Giants," experience a transformative journey of ritual drumming, sacred chants, and the healing power of the Sicilian Mother Land.

The Sacred Sanctuaries

Hotel Baia Verde (Catania)

We begin our journey perched upon volcanic rocks overlooking the Ionian Sea. This 4-star sanctuary features a sun terrace carved into the stone and a staircase leading directly into the turquoise waters.

• Explore: baiaverde.it

Hotel Terre di Eolo (Messina)

A noble farmhouse reborn, nestled within olive groves with panoramic views of the Aeolian Islands. Located in the shadow of the Black Madonna of Tindari.

• Explore: terredieolo.it

🎭 Special Guest Artists

• Giorgio Maltese: Virtuoso of the Sicilian flute, bagpipe, and jaw’s harp.
• Margherita Badalà: Master of the ancient "U Ballettu" Sicilian dance.
• Carmine Rapisarda: Author and guide to the esoteric secrets of Catania and the Templars.
• Siciian Folk Music Group SUDCANTICA

Description: 

This workshop/pilgrimage will be a deep immersion in the ancient devotion to the Black Madonna of Tindari and other Black Madonnas to be fully experienced with drumming, singing and dance in the sacred mountains and healing waters of the Sicilian Mother Land.

As featured in Alessandra's book "Healing Journeys with the Black Madonna",

this new workshop & pilgrimage will blend the Southern Italian musical tradition of the Black Madonna and the Divine Feminine with sacred locations in Sicily at The Megalith Stones of Argimusco, the Sanctuary of the Black Madonna, and the Temple of the Goddess Cybele in Tindari.

We will also feature the participation of special Sicilian Artists who will join us for wonderful jam sessions of Southern Italian Folk Music in great locations.

Drumming classes will be done at different powerful locations invoking the healing powers of the volcanic earth of Sicily combined with sacred chants of the Black Madonna.

Participants will learn the unique style of southern Italian tambourine playing and the ancient healing dance of the tarantella.

During the Pilgrimage we will visit:

1.   Black Madonna of Tindari on Beautiful Hill overlooking the sea

2.   Megalyths of Argimusco

3.   Feast of St. John and Festa du muzzuni

4.   Black Madonna of Acireale, Catania

5.   Black Madonna of Montalto

6.Black Madonna of Milazzo

Itinerary

Day 1: June 19 — Arrival in the Land of Fire and Water

• Afternoon: Arrive at Catania Airport by 2:00 PM – BUS  transfer to the Hotel Baia Verde. Nestled on volcanic rocks overlooking the Ionian Sea, this sanctuary offers a sun terrace carved into the stone and a staircase leading directly into the sea.
• Evening: A welcome dinner to gather our intentions and review the magical schedule ahead.

Day 2: June 20 — The Rhythm of the Earth

• Morning & Afternoon: An intensive workshop in the seaside town of Marina di Cottone. Join world-renowned musician Giorgio Maltese to explore the rare voices of Sicilian folk instruments: the double flute, bagpipe, and jaw’s harp, the tambourine, the accordion, learn the Sicilian tarantella style, 
• Alessandra Belloni will lead ritual drumming sessions to ground our spirits by the sea.
• Late Afternoon: Immerse yourself in the ancient healing dance of the Sicilian Tarantella with master teacher Margherita Badala’.

Day 3: June 21 — Byzantine Gold & Esoteric Secrets

• Morning: Journey to the Black Madonna of Loreto in Acireale, a 16th-century church tucked within olive groves. Here, Alessandra leads devotional chants to the patroness of aviators. Visit Black Madonna in Catania 
• Afternoon: An esoteric tour of Catania led by writer Carmine Rapisarda. Explore the hidden connections between Saint Agatha, the Egyptian Goddess Isis, and the ancient Templar routes that crossed through the city’s heart.

Day 4: June 22 — The Solstice at the Stones of the Giants

• Morning: Depart for the Hotel Terre di Eolo, an ancient noble farmhouse overlooking the Aeolian Islands.
• Afternoon: Celebrate the Summer Solstice at the Megaliths of Argimusco. At 1,200 meters above sea level, we walk a sacred path through rock formations of eagles and snakes—the "Stones of the Giants"—engaging in drumming and chanting rituals to the Earth Mother. Especially to worship LA DEA ORANTE the PRAYING GOODESS MYSTERIOUS MEGALYTH .

Day 5: June 23 —VISIT TO THE BLACK MADONNA OF TINDARI -  The African Totem & Healing Waters

• Morning: Visit the Black Madonna of Tindari, a sacred icon inscribed with Nigra Sum Sed Formosa (I am Black and Beautiful). Explore the nearby Temples of Demeter and Cybele to drum as the sun sets over the ruins.
• Afternoon: Descend to the Sacred Lakes of Marinello. In this enchanted place of salt water and turquoise sea, we perform purification rituals following the Afro Yoruba traditions of Aphrodite and the Orishas Yemanja and Ochun. Alessandra will lead a special Africana and Italian ritual, offering white flowers to the sea with sacred chants and drumming.

Day 6: June 24 — The Feast of the Ancient Ones & The Solstice & St John the Bapitst

• Morning: A restful morning to enjoy the hotel pool or the nearby beach included with the hotel.
• Afternoon & Evening: Experience the Festa du Muzzuni in Alcara Li Fusi—the oldest pagan festival in Italy. This solstice celebration is a propitiatory rite for fertility and love, where women prepare sacred altars to honor nature’s luxuriance.

Day 7: June 25 — Stone Spirits & Sacred Feasts

• Morning: A restorative morning by the sea or an optional workshop.
• Afternoon: Visit Parco Jalari, a museum where the earth speaks through hundreds of stone sculptures and fountains carved by Mariano Pietrini.
• Evening: Partake in an authentic Sicilian feast followed by a mystical concert by SUDCANTICA. Immerse yourself in the wild energy of traditional tarantellas and soulful Sicilian ballads.

Day 8: June 26 — The Pools of Venus & Ancient Echoes

• Morning: Visit the Black Madonna and the historic Castle of Milazzo. Later, bathe in the crystal-clear Pools of Venus (Piscine di Venere), a natural volcanic sanctuary at the edge of the sea. Swim in the  sacred waters of the Goddess Aphrodite.

• Afternoon: Return to the Tindari Archeological Site for a ritual drumming session within the Greek Theater, overlooking the sea at sunset with special guide to the temples.

Day 9: June 27 — The Sanctuary of the Stars

• Morning: Depart for Catania, stopping to visit the Santuario di Montalto. This site houses a 13th-century Byzantine icon of the Black Madonna, shimmering in silver and gold.

• Afternoon: Return to Hotel Baia Verde to reconnect with the volcanic shores of Catania.

Day 10: June 28 — The Fire of Etna & The Final Dance

• Morning: A final musical intensive with virtuoso Giorgio Maltese.
• Afternoon: Experience a transformative drumming and singing ritual on Mount Etna. Harness the healing fire of the active volcano and the energy of the Black Mother Earth.

• Close the journey with a powerful Tarantella or Pizzica ritual on the feast day of the Tarantati, on Mount Etna - followed by a celebratory farewell dinner.

Day 11: June 29 — Departure

• Final check-out and transfer to Catania Airport, carrying the magic of the Black Madonna home with you..

Investment & Registration

Please pay registration fee of $300 by PayPal and then complete the form. 

Register Here: 

• Early Bird Discount: Save $100 if registered by Feb 28th.
• Registration Fee: $300 (Non-refundable, secures your spot) + $ 1,000 deposit for hotel & workshop
  Paypal blackmadonnacenter@gmail.com
  or VENMO Alessandra-Belloni
  Or ZELLE also accepted. (646 )322-4637
  Contact: alessandrabelloni@gmail.com | blackmadonnacenter@gmail.com
  Notify Alessandra that you have paid at
  early bird discount until March 1st to receive $100 off

Total Package Prices (Subject to 2026 updates):

• Single (Ocean View): $3,900
• Single (No View): $3,700
• Double (Ocean View): $3,700
• Double (No View): $3,500

Includes: 10 nights lodging, 2 meals daily, all workshops, performances, master musicians, full-time guide, and all ground transport.

Contact: alessandrabelloni@gmail.com | blackmadonnacenter@gmail.com

Please pay registration fee of $300 by PayPal to blackmadonnacenter@gmail.com

Or VENMO & ZELLE also accepted. (Contact Alessandra for these options)

and notify Alessandra that you have paid at alessandrabelloni@gmail.com

Hotel deposit of 30% Due now: early bird discount until March 1 $ 100 (non-refundable after April 25th)

Please pay hotel deposit here: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/BlackMadonnaCenter

(Choose Send money to a Friend option to avoid fees)

Final payment Due May 1, 2025:  (Non-refundable)

Please make final payment here: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/BlackMadonnaCenter

(choose Send money to a Friend option to avoid fees)

$100 Early bird discount through March1st will be applied to this payment

Not included:

·        Airfare

·        Meals and wine outside hotel

·        Museum and archeological sites

·        Any activities outside pilgrimage and workshop on the schedule

·         Entrance and Meals at Parco Julari

·        Tips to Tour Guide, Drivers, Waiters

For questions about travel New Travel LLC
+1(212)-239-2425 WhatsApp: +1-212-239-2425
Email booking@newtravelnyc.com

 Bios: 

SUDCANTICA: 

The Compagnia of popular music SudCantica was founded in 2018, from the desire of several musicians and friends to create an open line-up in which to express their love for the traditional music of Southern Italy. Not just music, the company is based on friendship, inclusiveness and the desire to share all the cultures of the world. The instruments used are those typical of the southern musical repertoire: zampogna, chitarra battente, marranzano, tambourines, castagnette, accordion, reed flute and violin.  The strength of the band lies in recreating all the overwhelming strength of the Dionysian rhythms brought to paroxysm in order to release all tensions in the audience thanks to the abandonment of the body to dance. A rite that miraculously remained intact despite all the repressive force of the clerical and often governmental organs of the past. "What makes us most happy is to see the audience stand up and start dancing. “The success that the group achieves in 2019 during the tour in Belgium marks its international baptism. They performed at various festivals in Sicily and Belgium. 

Giorgio Maltese: 

A well-known Sicilian folk singer, multi-instrumentalist, Giorgio is a virtuoso on Sicilian flute, tambourine, bagpipe, jaws harp, accordion, and mandolin, and is an accomplished vocalist. He has been a musical instructor and is well versed in the authentic musical folkloric traditions of Sicily. 

https://www.facebook.com/giorgio.maltese.79