Proclaimed as an article of faith in 1950 by Pope Pius XII, the Assumption of the Virgin celebrates the transportation into heaven of Mary's body, three days after her death. The festival begins on the 5 August in the cathedral, where the ancient icon of the Madonna, usually venerated in the Cappella del Voto, is temporarily moved to the main altar. On the morning of 15 August, in the presence of the flag that displays the colours of each of Siena's contrade (districts), the Onorandi Priori and the Paggio Maggiore (chief page) of the contrade, the Archbishop presides over a solemn religious ceremony in honour of the most Blessed Virgin Mary, assumed into heaven.

Source: comune.siena.it