Capodanno ntà Chiazza

Capodanno ntà Chiazza: celebrating the countdown in the square

In Barcellona Pozzo di Gotto, the second-largest municipality in the province of Messina, New Year's Eve isn't spent indoors—it's spent in the heart of the city. Capodanno ntà Chiazza—which translates from Sicilian dialect as "New Year's in the Square"—is the annual end-of-year celebration organized by the Municipality in Piazza Duomo, the city's main gathering spot, to bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new one together.

A free, community-driven event

The formula is simple and effective: free admission, a stage in the square, and an evening designed for all ages. Festivities kick off around 11:30 PM with DJ sets, entertainment, and dancers warming up the crowd for the countdown. At the stroke of midnight, the collective toast takes place, followed by live music that keeps the party going until the early hours. The event is promoted by the Municipality of Barcellona Pozzo di Gotto with the support of the Sicilian Region – Department of Tourism, Sport and Entertainment, and is described by the organizers themselves as "an event for the people of Barcellona, made by the people of Barcellona."

A traditional local staple

In recent years, the party has grown into one of the most popular New Year's events in the Tyrrhenian area of Messina. The edition welcoming 2025 gathered over 10,000 people in Piazza Duomo, cementing the event's status as a major local success. Surrounding the square, local bars and businesses keep the night lively, while law enforcement, civil protection, and volunteers ensure the safety of the large crowds.

Barcellona Pozzo di Gotto, the city of the Longano

Nestled in the plain between the Peloritani Mountains and the Tyrrhenian Sea, and crossed by the Longano and Idria streams, Barcellona Pozzo di Gotto is a vibrant hub in the province of Messina, Sicily. The city is also known for its Carnival and a rich tradition of cultural and popular events; the New Year's Eve party fits perfectly into this calendar as a moment of community that closes and opens the year in a spirit of conviviality.