For many Italians originating from the small farm town of Cercemaggiore, America wasn't the most important discovery of the 15th century. As legend goes, a farmer was working his land when he stumbled upon a clay case buried in the ground. Inside that vase, the farmer uncovered an even greater treasure: a four-and-a-half-foot tall wooden sculpture of the Virgin Mary.

For more than 600 years now, people in the small hill town located in southern Italy have celebrated the "Madonna della Libera," which has become distinguished nationwide because of its alleged miracle-making power. Every July 2, residents gather for a day of worship, celebration and traditional garb.

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Source: http://www.rep-am.com/