A collective emotion crossed the city: the procession of the triumphal wagon of Sant’Antonio It took place in the afternoon between the wings of the crowd, bringing through the streets of Messina the sacred relics of the thaumaturge. The participation of faithful, tourists and devotees has transformed the event into a moment of profound sharing and spirituality.
In the morning, at 11, the solemn was held pontifical chaired by Cardinal Claudio Gugerottiwhile the traditional one articulated in the afternoon procession of the chariotbroadcast live from RTP.
The origins of the “votive machine”
The history of Triumphal wagon has its roots in 1931when it was made for the first time on the occasion of the seventh centenary of the saint’s death. Conceived by Adolfo Romano with the support of the then Archbishop Angelo Pajnothe first wagon was a wooden structure driven by six oxenadorned with red gloildappe and garlands, as reported by the chronicles of Rogationist fathers.
There Bread devotion found visual expression through intertwined wheat manipoliplaced along the steps of the structure; At the top they were drawn Twelve orphans with lilies in hand. The wagon, decorated with Flowers, herbs, palm trees, flags and illuminated by 150 multi -colored bulbsculminated in the statue of the saint with the child in his arms. It is estimated that on that occasion about 60,000 people They took part in the procession, described as “dense and swarming waves of people who dwell on the immense way”.
Tradition interrupted during the war, but was taken up in 1946 Thanks to a new chariot donated by the Navythe same that today continues to accompany the party.
White night, music and faith between the streets of the city
Great success also for the White night in honor of S. Antoniowhich animated the city center in the previous evening. The initiative, supported by Rogationist fathersfrommunicipal administration and from theRegional Department of Tourism, Sport and Entertainmentrecorded an extraordinary turnout.
Thousands of peoplebetween families, groups of friends and many young people, have crowded the pedestrianized area around the Basilica of via S. Ceciliatransformed into a open -air theater.
The evening opened with theignition of musical lightsfollowed by Parade of the Banda di Santo Stefano Medio And from a rich and varied musical program. On stage the Artists of the Corelli ConservatoryThe tenor Davide Benignothe Pianist Stefania La Manna and the very young Italo bartolomeo riflerevelation of the transmission The Voice Kids On Rai Uno.
There 12th edition of the White Night He offered a festive and suggestive prelude to the great procession of the following day, consolidating himself as An unmissable appointment for the city.