Octave of Easter Celebrations in honor of Saint Nicholas of Bari

In 2025, the Octave of Easter Celebrations in Gioiosa Marea confirmed their central role in the life of the Messina community. The celebrations, marked by the Novena and liturgical rites in the Mother Church dedicated to Saint Nicholas of Bari, culminated in the afternoon procession of the statues of the Saint, Our Lady of Graces, and Saint Joseph.

As per tradition, the protagonists were the Virgineddi, children dressed in robes laden with gold and precious items, who accompanied the procession carrying the church's most valuable chalices. Upon their return, a solemn Eucharistic celebration was held in the presence of civil and military authorities. Between faith, memory, and tradition, the festival commemorated the community's descent from the ancient Gioiosa Guardia to the city by the sea.