“The Vara at the center of the culture, tourism, traditions and identity of Messina not only during the day of the procession. This year marks the centenary of the ‘festival of rebirth’ which returned to the people of Messina, in 1926, the great celebration after the long stop due to the earthquake of 1908. Our program includes, for this event but also for future editions, the ‘Vara Week’ with initiatives that will involve – with a series of events – all neighborhoods”. Mayoral candidate Marcello Scurria and designated councilors Fulvia Toscano and Giovanna Famà declared it this morning during a press conference.
“Our approach will go beyond the current concept of a public holiday to give life to a series of events that will involve residents and tourists over a broader time frame, also giving impetus to the economy, work and tourism.
The Vara will become a driving event for a Mediterranean Festival of Intangible Heritage which will take place throughout the year, encouraging cultural exchanges and enhancing the identity of Messina. The mid-August holiday will also include a “white night” in the Vara with shops open and adequate support from the Municipality for the activities of traders.
Among the proposals is also the permanent exhibition of votive machines from the religious and folkloristic tradition of Messina and Vara itself. Maximum attention will also be paid to the maintenance of votive and folkloristic machines which represent important points of reference for the history of our city and its future”.