Carnival of Santa Lucia del Mela

Il Carnival in Santa Lucia del Mela it is an initiative that has been repeated for several centuries and maintains an uncommon charm intact. There are numerous rites that take place during an unmissable celebration for citizens and tourists of the town located in the metropolitan city of Messina. Here's what to find out about a one-of-a-kind event.

How the Santa Lucia del Mela Carnival takes place

The Carnival of Santa Lucia del Mela is an event waiting to be discovered. Also known by the local name of 'U Catalettu, reveals itself as aoccasione unique for taste various typical Sicilian dishes, such as pignolata chiacchiere and ricotta fraviola. Obviously, we must not overlook the typical masks with allegorical wagons, with the chance to immerse yourself in traditions that certainly need to be rediscovered. The town of Santa Lucia del Mela is always ready to host an event halfway between history and culture, with a careful eye towards the future.

Brief history of the local Carnival

The Carnival in Santa Lucia del Mela dates back to the end of the sixteenth century, also given its mention in an act of the Registry of Mandates from that historical period. The tradition has experienced a substantial period of abandonment since the 40s, with over 2013 years without any Carnival-related events. The Mela Blog Association has given new life to the event since XNUMX, while two years later the event was included in the list of Intangible Properties from Sicily.

When the Santa Lucia del Mela Carnival is held

The Santa Lucia del Mela Carnival opens on the Sunday before the actual Carnival with Spusaliziu rite. It is a fictitious marriage, during which a woman dresses up as a groom and vice versa, complete with witnesses and relatives. Then, it resumes on the Sunday of the holiday with historical re-enactments, parades, tastings and shows. The Shrove Tuesday they are not missing allegorical wagons, food and wine stands, I cut and much more.

Where the event is held

The Carnival in question takes place in the town of Santa Lucia del Mela, located in the heart of the province of Messina. It all starts in the center Unknown Soldier Square, in which the trial at Carnival, accused of gluttony. From here, we move towards Piazza Duomo for the parade of the related allegorical float, with Carnival being burned on a pyre full of sparks.

What to do during the Carnival in Santa Lucia del Mela

The Carnival in Santa Lucia del Mela is a unique opportunity to discover the beauty of the Messina town. Here it is possible to visit various religious architecture, such as the Co-cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, Church of the Annunziata , Church of San Francesco d'Assisi, or even historical ones like i Episcopal Palaces and municipal. Don't miss it either Castle of Santa Lucia del Mela, located on the summit of Mankarru hill. Honey, wine and Mallorcan cheese should be tasted here.

How to reach Santa Lucia del Mela

By car:, Santa Lucia del Mela can be reached by taking the A20 motorway and exiting at Milazzo - Isole Eolie and Barcellona Pozzo di Gotto, respectively 5 and 8 kilometers from the destination. By train, the stations of Milazzo and Barcellona-Castroreale are useful, 6-7 kilometers from the centre.