Bamparizzu of San Nicola in Villafranca Tirrena

U Bamparizzu i San Nicola in Villafranca Tirrena it is a preparatory event held the day before the feast of the Saint, which it is the protector of this little one village in province of Messina.
The event was born with the intention of being part of the religious celebrations but in reality it has turned into a folkloristic event with historical figures and processions. To take part and not miss anything, here's everything you need to know.

Description of the Saint Nicholas celebration in Villafranca Tirrena

La feast of San Nicola in Villafranca is a very heartfelt appointment, as it is the patron saint of the village, which is preceded by a series of events, including the famous Bamparizzu i San Nicola.
It is a costume show which sees all the inhabitants of the town engaged in the guise of extras and which has its climax in the bonfire which is done in honor of the saint. The event requires many months of preparation and is a moment of joy and amazement for all participants, of any age.

The story linked to the feast of San Nicola in Villafranca Tirrena

La tradition of U' Bamparizzu it is very old, even if over the years the custom of staging it had been somewhat lost. For a few years, however, thanks to the skilful work ofLiving Villafranca Association has been brought back into vogue and today represents an unmissable event for the many who want to immerse themselves in a timeless atmosphere made of historical parades e period costumes, of flag-wavers and jugglers, of theatrical performances on the history of Villafranca Tirrena and folk songs.

When u Bamparizzu i San Nicola takes place in Villafranca Tirrena

The feast of San Nicola in Villafranca Tirrena takes place on 6th December but it is the previous day, i.e. the 5th, which is held instead u Bamparizzu, which gathers a very large number of spectators and ends with the beautiful fireworks.

Where the event takes place

The Bamparizzu i San Nicola festival in Villafranca Tirrena involves the whole town.
The event begins in square of the Mother Church and then continues along the seafront up to Piazza Dante. A second procession then leaves from Baronial Palace and reaches up to Municipal Palace the Court. At that point the key exchange takes place and the event ends at Bauso Castle where the big bonfire.

What to do during the patronal feast of San Nicola in Villafranca Tirrena

The event begins on December 4, when the parade of the carromatto which sees the presence of people in costume pulling a cart to collect firewood for the bonfire the following day in honor of the Saint.
On the 5th, however, two processions depart (that of the fishermen and that of the princely court) which meet at the Town Hall for the delivery of the keys to the Bauso Castle. The meeting is highlighted with the display of flag-wavers, fireworks and the theatrical representation of the most important moments in the country's history. The two processions then move to Piazza Castello where the famous bonfire takes place in honor of San Nicola.
Finally, the day after, the solemn mass for the saint is held and it can be the right occasion to make a tour of the village, especially his Old Town, so as to discover all its beauties. In particular, a visit to the Bauso Castle, which is a fortification built in 1592, and to Church of the Madonna dei Cerei, which houses a painting of the Madonna made by Andrea Bruno in 1658.

How to get to Villafranca Tirrena

Those who wish to reach the village to take part in the feast of San Nicola in Villafranca Tirrena, if they come from Catania, will be able to travel by car the A18 to your destination. From Messina, on the other hand, the way to go is the A20 followed by the E90, the same road must also be taken from Palermo. From Syracuse, on the other hand, it is only necessary to take the E45.

Who prefers as a means of transport the train, can use the Villafranca Tirrena-Saponara station which is located on the axis that connects Messina to Palermo. From the main Sicilian cities it is then possible to move with the local bus lines which are made by the AST company.