As part of the celebrations of the patron saint Saint John the Baptist, the pantomime U pisci a mmari (Fish in the sea) is held on the body of water that bathes Aci Trezza, a hamlet of Aci Castello.
The traditional rite begins in the afternoon, when the sailors dancing, accompanied by the band, take the Rais from his home.
Once they reach the port, the Rais is placed on a rather large rock from where he will direct the fishing pantomime. On a small, richly decorated boat, four sailors bustle as they crisscross the fish, personified by a skilled swimmer, nominated every year by the local community.
The pantomime tells the troubled moment of tuna fishing, in which the large animal initially captured, manages with sudden bursts to escape the crew three times, definitively sinking into the sea.
The singing and jubilant gestures of the Rais and the crew are followed by moments of great desperation, in which the Rais throws himself into the sea and out of anger the sailors begin to argue with each other, causing the boat to capsize.
The ritual ends with a tour through the streets of the town of the “unfortunate”, the sailors, who sadly receive gifts of wine and monetary offerings from the crowd.
The final triumph of the fish over the action of the fishermen has strong symbolic values ​​and connections with the story narrated by Verga in the Malavoglia, today considered by many Trezzoti to be the foundation of this maritime drama.
WHEN
This event generally takes place every year on June 24th and 25th
Free Event
For information, dates and events, visit the site indicated at the end of the article
The reported events may be subject to changes or cancellations.
It is always advisable to inquire in advance to confirm the event and the dates
Aci Trezza (Acitrezza)
Location Aci Castello
Catania
Sicily – Italy