LA VARA : DEFILÉ DES GÉANTS MATA ET GRIFONE

In Messina, the parade of the Norman giants Mata and Grifone, who founded the city at the time of King Roger I of Sicily, is an important event. The two giant statues, made of papier-mâché, are carried around the city. On August 15, the inhabitants mobilize to pull a chariot weighing nearly 8 tons that takes the Virgin to the Duomo where it is displayed to pilgrims for two days. A colourful festival.