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Colors of Messina - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

Messina - La Cattedrale The beautiful customs and traditions of Sicilians are considered one of the most inimitable and distinctive in Italy. Throughout the year, Messina hosts many interesting holidays ideal for getting acquainted with the traditions of locals. Every year on May 1, they celebrate the traditional Carro Siciliano Festival dedicated to the traditional Sicilian cart. The townspeople consider it one of their main national symbols. The tradition of the original holiday originated hundreds of years ago. In the past, small wooden horse-drawn carts were one of the main tools for local residents who were mainly engaged in agriculture. They were used as the main vehicle for plowing land and transporting crops.
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Not only peasants but wealthy people used similar carts - richly decorated ones, of course. Over time, peasants began to imitate the local aristocracy and decorate their carts in the same manner. They came up with an interesting holiday to compete in the art of decorating their "carros". Over the centuries, the holiday has gained immense popularity and now it is annually celebrated in many cities of Sicily. The brightest carro parade takes place in Messina. All the carts participating in it are real works of art. Besides the traditional parade, the holiday is accompanied by other interesting entertainments involving local musicians, dancers, and street performers.
Another symbolic holiday for Messina is called the “Procession of the Giants” and the history of its emergence is associated with a beautiful legend. According to ancient legends, the city was founded thousands of years ago by giants. The townspeople continue to believe this legend for many years. They organize a celebration in honor of mythical characters every year creating always new beautiful figures of giants. Copyright www.orangesmile.com
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Messina will be a great place to experience traditional Sicilian cuisine. Amazing dishes be tasted at every step in the city. On lively streets, you will find stalls and small cafes with … Open
The celebration opens with a magnificent procession, during which the giants are carried along the main city streets. Throughout the day, the popular festival is accompanied by interesting gastronomic entertainment and performances. Local farmers present their best products at fairs, traditional food is prepared for participants right on the streets. Among visitors to Messina, the most favorite entertainment is taking pictures against the backdrop of colorful figures of giants, which are installed on one of the main squares after the procession.
Messina - Sicily Many tourists seek to visit Messina at the end of January when the annual carnival kicks off in the city. The tradition of its holding is now widespread throughout Sicily, but the first carnival was held back in the late 16th century. In all cities of the island, preparations for the largest carnival are held throughout the year. It lasts several weeks and ends with the beginning of Lent. During the carnival, guests of Messina can enjoy all sorts of entertainment, watch the colorful street processions and try on incredible carnival costumes.
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The holiday is characterized by an important gastronomic component. Since the carnival is followed by Lent, it is customary to cook the best meat dishes. Open-air cafes and stalls on the streets of Messina serve wonderful dishes, which are prohibited to Christians during fasting. Special activities are organized for children - they can try out rides and carousels installed on the streets, take part in interesting competitions, and attend theater performances.
Messina - Sicily Speaking of the cultural traditions of citizens, it is worth noting their high religiosity. Messina hosts many beautiful religious holidays, but the most magnificent celebrations are held on Christmas and Easter. Messina residents consider the Mother of God to be their patroness, in whose honor it is also customary to arrange a special holiday. On this day, statues of the saint are brought to the streets and carried at the head of the solemn procession. This official part of the holiday is followed by a noisy and fun-filled informal part.
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Fans of event tourism would probably prefer to visit Messina in early June when local residents celebrate the City Day. This holiday is dedicated to the history of Messina and the main cultural traditions of its inhabitants. It is always accompanied by colorful fairs and lush street performances. Local residents managed to preserve their most beautiful centuries-old traditions, which are honored by symbolic holidays every year.
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City tours, excursions and tickets in Messina and surroundings

Reference information
Map of all churches
Cathedrals and basilicas near Messina
♥   Basilica Cattedrale di S. Maria SS. Assunta, Messina, 0.1 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Concattedrale Archimandritato del Santissimo Salvatore, Messina, 0.3 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Basilica-Santuario del Sacro Cuore di Gesù e di S. Antonio, Messina, 1 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Basilica Cattedrale di Maria SS. Assunta in Cielo, Reggio di Calabria, 12.4 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Basilica della Madre della Consolazione, Reggio di Calabria, 13.4 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Concattedrale di S. Maria Assunta, Santa Lucia del Mela, 24.3 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Basilica di S. Sebastiano, Barcellona Pozzo di Gotto, 29.9 km from the center. On the map   Photo
Map of all castles
Survived castles around Messina
♥   Castle 'Altafiumara Fort' Villa San Giovanni, 12.1 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Castle 'Ruffo Castle of Scilla' Scilla, 15.7 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Castle 'Castle of Sant’Aniceto' Motta San Giovanni, 22.8 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Castle 'Castello di Milazzo' Milazzo, 27.7 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Castle 'Ruffo Castle of Amendolea' Amendolea, 37.5 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Castle 'Castello di Villagonia' Taormina, 44.5 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Castle 'Castello di Schisò' Giardini Naxos, 47.9 km from the center. On the map   Photo
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Messina photo gallery


Colors of Messina in photos

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Traditions and festivals in cities around Messina

Calabria
In a crowded cultural calendar of Calabria there is a place for the beer festival; it is held annually at Marina di Gioiosa. Festival guests will find a huge selection of varieties of the drink, plenty of refreshments and an amazing entertainment program. The compulsory part of the celebration is an exciting competition, in which everyone can show his love and devotion to ... Open »
Lipari Island
Italians are very hot-tempered people. They raise voice, interrupt other people and use a lot of hand movements. It may seem that they want to express all the emotions they have, during a conversation. Lipari citizens shake hands only at the first meeting. It is customed to welcome a friend by kissing him in both cheeks. Moreover, people say goodbye by kissing too, even they ... Open »
Salina Island
They won’t speak openly with strangers. But if you become a friend for a local resident, be sure to know the island from another side. Italians like to talk on different topics, such as Kant’s philosophy or modern cinema and football. It is customary to take care of your family and help to distant relatives. There is a joke, that locals prefer to be friends with ... Open »
Catania
Local residents are very attentive to their look and selection of clothes. This is particularly true for older people. Any appearance in the streets in too revealing or raunchy attire can be interpreted as a sign of bad taste. Foreigners are also encouraged to dress in a classic style, while the fair sex is not recommended to use bright jewelry and accessories. The reaction of ... Open »
Sicily
The most interesting holiday of February is the Carnival, which is celebrated in Acireale. This colorful and noisy celebration would be interesting for both adults and children. As for less significant and large-scale events, then they are represented by numerous fairs and gastronomic festivities. They are held on the island all year round, so fans of shopping and gastronomic ... Open »
Palermo
The brightest summer event of Palermo is considered to be the Verdura festival. Its program will be of great interest to genuine music fans. The festival engages world class musicians, rock stars and legendary jazz players as well as famous bands and dancing groups. For the period of the festival the city of Palermo turns into a huge concert stage which offers music of ... Open »
Cityguide on traditions, mentality and lifestyle of people in Messina. Learn the best periods to visit Messina to discover its soul - authentic festivals, events and celebrations. We will also reveal the interesting habits, attitude towards the world and to tourists in Messina.
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