Cavalcade of the giants Mata and Grifone in Messina
Jacopo Werther - CC4.0
In Messina, from 10 to 14 August the traditional Cavalcade of the Giants Mata and Grifone takes place, mythical progenitors of the city of Messina followed by a festive procession in costume.
Mata and Grifone are two colossal statues in horse made of wood and papier-mâché that exceed eight meters in height. Mata is a Messina who joined Grifone, Moor conqueror of the city of Messina.
The current position, on horseback, dates back to 1723 while previously the statues were raised and carried on the shoulders with a shaky movement that imitated the ride. In 1993 the tradition was resumed, interrupted several times since 1909, of having them followed by another machine representing a camel which, according to a first theory, would recall the entry into Messina of Ruggero d'Altavilla on the back of a dromedary after the defeat of the Arabs, according to another theory, would evoke the Arab marauder who demanded tributes from the people.
Mata and Grifone are two colossal statues in horse made of wood and papier-mâché that exceed eight meters in height. Mata is a Messina who joined Grifone, Moor conqueror of the city of Messina.
The current position, on horseback, dates back to 1723 while previously the statues were raised and carried on the shoulders with a shaky movement that imitated the ride. In 1993 the tradition was resumed, interrupted several times since 1909, of having them followed by another machine representing a camel which, according to a first theory, would recall the entry into Messina of Ruggero d'Altavilla on the back of a dromedary after the defeat of the Arabs, according to another theory, would evoke the Arab marauder who demanded tributes from the people.
Dates and Scheduling
14 Aug 2024
20:30 Walk of the Giants from Piazza Unione Europea to Piazza Castronovo and back
You could be interested in where to stay in Messina
You could be also interested in:
References
enjoysicilia.it is in no way responsible for any errors, omissions or changes due to unpredictable factors. We strongly invite you to check for any last-minute changes by visiting the website and social media of the event organizer whose links are indicated in the references field.
