Marian Days returning to Carthage

(From the City of Carthage)

One of the largest religious and cultural gatherings in the Midwest will return to Carthage this summer as thousands of visitors from across the United States and around the world make their way to the community for Marian Days, August 6–9, 2026. Marian Days is an annual pilgrimage and festival for Vietnamese American Roman Catholics that has been celebrated since 1978 on the 28-acre campus of the Congregation of the Mother Co-Redemptrix in Carthage, Missouri.

Held on the first Thursday of August each year and lasting four days, the celebration honors the Blessed Virgin Mary through worship, prayer, fellowship, and spiritual reflection. Marian Days offers opportunities for individuals, families, and friends to come together in faith, reconciliation, and community.

While the event is organized by Vietnamese Americans and reflects Vietnamese culture and traditions, Marian Days is open to the public and welcomes people of all backgrounds. Over the years, the event has become a unique cultural experience that draws local residents, visitors, and individuals from many ethnic and cultural groups who come to learn, celebrate, and participate in the festivities.

As of 2018, more than 80,000 Vietnamese Americans were making the journey to Carthage from various parts of the United States and abroad, making Marian Days one of the largest gatherings of Vietnamese Catholics outside of Vietnam. Visitors can expect a vibrant atmosphere featuring religious services, cultural traditions, fellowship, music, food, and hospitality throughout the weekend.

Residents should anticipate increased traffic throughout the community during the event. In addition, several roads near the festival grounds will be temporarily closed to accommodate the large number of pilgrims and visitors attending Marian Days.

The following roads will be closed beginning Saturday, August 1st at 7:00 AM and will remain closed through Sunday, August 9th until approximately 12:00 PM:

Grand Avenue from Highland Avenue to Fairview Avenue

Fairview Avenue from Main Street to Wynwood Drive

Highland Avenue from Grand Avenue to Fulton Street

Motorists are encouraged to plan alternate routes, allow extra travel time, and use caution when traveling near the event area.

Marian Days continues to be an important spiritual tradition for the Vietnamese Catholic community while also serving as a unique cultural experience that enriches the Carthage community and welcomes visitors from around the globe.

To learn more about this unique festival and pilgrimage, watch the documentary Marian Days: A Spiritual and Cultural Homecoming.

Additional information is available on the official Marian Days websites:

English Website


Vietnamese Website