Messina Sea Festival – August Palio and Landing of Don John of Austria

The 2025 edition

The 17th edition of the Messina Sea Festival was held on Saturday, August 9, 2025. At 5:30 PM, in the waters in front of the Church of Grotte, the August Palio – Don John of Austria Trophy kicked off, a regatta between the districts of Pace, Case Basse, Grotte, and Paradiso along a course of about 5.2 kilometers, finishing near the Madonnina del Porto, with the collaboration of the Naval League and local rowing clubs.

In the evening, at the Marina del Nettuno, the re-enactment of the Landing of Don John of Austria took place: a naval procession led by the Navy training ship Palinuro, accompanied by numerous historic vessels, preceded the costumed procession along the seaside promenade to Palazzo Zanca and Piazza Unione Europea. The day concluded with a theatrical performance and a fireworks display over the sea.