The Vara of the Madonna Assunta in Messina
the "Vara" is a large pyramidal machine, built in the 16th century by Radese, which symbolizes the Assumption into heaven of Virgin Mary. In the lower part is the tomb of the Madonna surrounded by the apostles. Above it there are angels with olive branches in their hands that revolve with the sun and the moon. On their heads there are other angels and on them a starry globe, representing the sky, surrounded by the band of the zodiac. Upwards, a circle with other angels follows and at the top the figure of Jesus Christ holding the Alma Mater in the palm of his right hand. The entire structure is made of papier-mâché and wood and rests on two large steel runners. In ancient times all the characters of the Vara were alive, from 1866 they were replaced with statues. During the procession of 1681 and 1738 the pyramid broke, some angels fell among the crowd who miraculously remained unharmed. In memory of these events, a monument to the Immaculate Conception was built behind the Cathedral, which still exists today. In recent years the custom of inserting some living characters has been resumed.
The Vara is dragged along the path by thousands of devotees dressed in white and full naked. The event is part of the great celebrations dedicated to the Madonna della Letter together with other festive machines such as the Giants, the Camel and the Galea. The Vara procession was adopted, with the authorization of the Senate of Messina, also by friendly cities that still organize them today, such as Palmi and Randazzo.
Dates and Scheduling
15 Aug 2024
07:00 Hawser bindings
11:00 Cathedral, Solemn Pontifical presided over by H. E. Calogero Peri, Bishop of Caltagirone
18:30 Departure of the secular procession of the Vara
Piazza Castronovo
21:00 Arrival of the Vara at Piazza Duomo and Eucharistic Celebration in the Cathedral
23:00 Fireworks show, sponsored by Caronte&tourist
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References
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