The Vara and the Giants of Messina 2026

From 31 July to 15 August 2026, Messina will celebrate the centenary of the revival of the Vara, with a programme of religious events, performances, exhibitions and cultural initiatives leading up to Messina’s Ferragosto celebrations.

This year’s celebrations mark the hundredth anniversary of the resumption of the procession, which returned in 1926 following its suspension after the 1908 earthquake. The celebrations begin on 31 July with the transfer of the Cippo della Vara from its storage facility in Via Catania to Piazza Castronovo and continue over the following days with events dedicated to the city’s history and traditions.

From 10 August, the events centred on Mata and Grifone – the large equestrian figures that parade through the neighbourhoods and the city centre – get into full swing. On 14 August, their traditional procession from Piazza Unione Europea to Piazza Castronovo and back is scheduled, accompanied by drummers, carts and folk groups.

The highlight of the celebrations is on 15 August with the Centuries-Old Procession of the Assumption. At 6.30 pm, the Vara sets off from Piazza Castronovo and travels along Via Garibaldi to Piazza Duomo, pulled by hand using long ropes. The votive float, approximately fourteen metres high, depicts the Assumption of the Virgin and is one of the most recognisable symbols of Messina’s tradition.

The day concludes with a service in the Cathedral and, at 11.00 pm, with a fireworks display. Admission to the outdoor events is free.