The pilgrimage to Our Lady of Gran Sasso (the Madonna del Gran Sasso) and its festival are celebrated during the summer, on the first Sunday of August, when families from the surrounding villages, above all from Pietracamela and Intermesoli, visit the niche that since 1935 has housed the statue of the “Madonnina” (The Little Madonna), in Arapietra , at 2,005 metres above sea level. After the celebration of Mass, officiated by the Bishop and parish priest of Pietracamela, the solemn blessing of the participants takes place, followed by a festive relaxation and sharing of food and beverages. Formerly and until the construction of the skilifts in the 1950s, foodstuffs and provisions were brought by women in large baskets resting on their heads, in a long ascent made on foot through the mountain trails.