The figures of the young saints told in the shapes and colors of the Infiorata of Santo Stefano Medio: a town celebrating the ninth edition of the devotional artistic event which involves the entire community in the preparation and attracts hundreds of visitors every year.
There is a moment of the year when Santo Stefano Medio transforms into an explosion of colours, scents and geometries. It is that of the Infiorata dedicated to the co-patron Santa Maria dei Giardini, a tradition that combines faith, art and sense of community, transforming the Messina village into an enchanted space. For the ninth edition the theme chosen was that of “young saints”, figures close to the new generations and symbols of hope, courage and civil commitment. Among the floral paintings, the faces of Carlo Acutis, judge Rosario Livatino, Francesco Davide Salmeri, the shepherd children of Fatima, Domenico Savio, Bernadette Soubirous and Maria Goretti found space. Next to them also the icon of the Madonna dei Giardini and the Crucifix chosen for the altar of the reposition of Holy Thursday. The works, created with colored salt, marble dust, flowers, ears of corn and typical local vegetation, have given life to an evocative artistic journey full of meaning. Also embellishing the event are the lace installations in the “crochet garden”, a symbol of the traditions preserved by the women of the village. Behind each composition is the silent work of an entire community: for months the inhabitants of the Mezzano village collaborated in the preparation of the 19 paintings and other displays, transforming the Infiorata into an authentic example of collective participation. Led by Father Matteo Culletta, the community once again experienced an event capable of uniting spirituality and popular identity. Born in 2015 from an idea by Don Lino Grillo, the Infiorata is today one of the most anticipated events of the Messina spring, enriched by the live music of Pooh Legend, the tastings of typical products and the welcome of the volunteers of the National Carabinieri Association.