Historical Re-enactment of the Founding of Naxos

A dive into the past on the shores of the Ionian Sea

The Historical Re-enactment of the Founding of Naxos is one of the most cherished events in the cultural calendar of Giardini-Naxos, in the Province of Messina, Sicily. The event celebrates a foundational episode in the island's history: in 734 BC, a group of Greek colonists, led by the oikistes Theocles, landed on this coast and gave life to Naxos, the first Greek colony in Sicily, as recounted by the historian Thucydides.

From the landing to the procession in the Archaeological Park

The heart of the re-enactment is the symbolic landing on the beach in front of Castello di Schisò: actors and extras in costume recreate the arrival of the first colonists, before moving in a procession inside the Archaeological Park of Naxos. Among the ancient stones of the archaeological site, a suggestive choreography takes shape, with the Ionian Sea in the background, accompanying the public on an immersive journey through historical memory, storytelling, and heritage promotion.

Live theatre, music, and dance

The production is based on the dramaturgy and texts of author and director Giovanni Bucolo, with set designs by Cristina Russo, costumes by Simona Gullotta, live music performed by master luthier Giuseppe Severini and percussionist Davide Campisi, and choreography by Ada Stagnitta. The procession includes students from the Caminiti Linguistic High School in Giardini Naxos and delegations from other cities of Greek foundation in Sicily.

A ritual of community and identity

More than just a performance, the Re-enactment is experienced by the Giardini-Naxos community as a moment to share their Mediterranean memory and identity. Born from the synergy between the Municipality of Giardini Naxos, the Pro Loco, and the Circolo Nautico Teocle, with the patronage of the Archaeological Park of Naxos and Taormina, the event ideally opens the long summer season of local events.

Where it takes place

The event takes place between the beach of Castello di Schisò and the interior spaces of the Archaeological Park of Naxos, in Giardini-Naxos, at the foot of Taormina. The date traditionally coincides with the first Sunday of May, when admission to the archaeological site is free.