The Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows is observed in Slovakia every September 15 as a significant religious holiday. This day commemorates the seven sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a title attributed to her due to these events in her life. The feast originated in Cologne in 1423 and has evolved over the centuries, being recognized at the national level in Slovakia since 1966 when the Pope designated the Blessed Virgin Mary as the patroness saint of the country. On this day, solemn masses are held in Catholic churches across Slovakia, drawing large crowds. The Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Staré serves as the main pilgrimage site, attracting visitors from all over the country, with the pilgrimage activities concluding on the evening of September 16.