The municipal administration of Taormina, following the serious critical issues recorded on the occasion of the show “Aida”, staged on August 24, 2025 at the Antico Theater, considers it necessary to clarify its position and inform public opinion.
“The show had been authorized on the basis of the documentation presented by the Organizer, which had overcome all the administrative checks of the municipal offices, the municipal supervisory commission, the Naxos -Taormina Archaeological Park and the Messina Police Headquarters. The reports received by the municipal offices and the investigations conducted last night instead highlight a series of particular gravity by the organizing association.
First of all – writes the Municipality – the show has undergone a strong delay due to the protest of numerous artists, who complained of the non -payment of the agreed fees. This circumstance has inevitably caused the public discontent, composed of spectators from all over the world, who has made requests for reimbursement and in many cases abandoned the event.
The disservice, already unacceptable in itself, has been aggravated by the absence – until protest in progress – of the Safety and Security Safety personnel, mandatory to ensure the safe performance of events of this reach. The situation made the intervention of the State Police necessary, which had to intervene to contain tensions and restore the order.
These episodes configure not only a violation of the requirements contained in the concession provision issued by the Archaeological Park, but also of the conditions set by the license issued by the Quaestor of Messina. In other words, there was a real risk for public safety and a very serious damage to the Municipality of Taormina and for all the institutions involved in the organization of the activities of the Antico Theater.
In light of these elements, the municipal administration has formally requested the director of the Archaeological Park the immediate revocation of the concession of use for September 13, 2025, relating to the “Carmen” event, scheduled within the days granted to the Municipality pursuant to art. 24 ter of the LR 20/2000. This decision is based on the need to avoid the repetition of episodes that could further compromise the international image of Taormina and the credibility of the management of the ancient theater.
“The ancient theater – declares the mayor Cateno De Luca – is an identity of universal value, a symbol of the history and culture of Sicily. Its protection also passes through the rigorous selection and control of the events that take place there. We cannot allow the disorganization and default of some subjects to at risk the safety of the spectators and the honor of the city. The request for revocation, concludes De Luca, is not only a due act, but a choice of responsibility for the community and the many visitors who choose Taormina for its cultural excellence ».
Finally, the Municipality of Taormina reserves the right to report what happened to the competent authorities, so that any responsibilities are assessed and the most appropriate measures are adopted to protect the body, citizens and the reputation of the ancient theater.