As Easter approaches, the small Sicilian town of Scicli is gearing up for a vibrant celebration filled with music, tradition, and community spirit. On Sunday, April 20, 2025, at 21:00, the Women Orchestra will perform a concert titled "Note da Oscar, Playing for Morricone" on the steps of the Chiesa Santa Maria della Consolazione. This event, spearheaded by Mayor Mario Marino and the local Tourism and Entertainment Department led by Gianni Falla, is co-sponsored by the Sicilian Region's Department of Cultural Heritage and Sicilian Identity. The concert aims to bring together the community in a festive atmosphere during the Easter season.
The Women Orchestra is a unique ensemble composed entirely of female musicians and singers, totaling 18 members. This initiative, which began in 2017 to raise awareness against violence towards women, showcases the talents of women in music and serves as a powerful statement against all forms of discrimination and violence. The concert on Easter Sunday symbolizes rebirth and hope, echoing the themes of renewal associated with the holiday.
In addition to the concert, Scicli is rich with Easter traditions that reflect the deep cultural roots of the region. One of the most notable celebrations is the "Festa del Gioia," an event that attracts thousands of visitors each year. This year, the festivities will commence with the "Resuscita" event on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at midnight at the Church of Santa Maria La Nova. During this event, the statue of the risen Christ will be revealed amidst joyful shouts, marking the beginning of the most significant day in the Easter calendar.
On Easter Sunday, the celebrations will continue throughout the historic center of Scicli, featuring a lively procession that transports the statue of "Gioia" between churches, including the Sanctuary of Santa Maria La Nova and the Church of Carmine. The atmosphere will be electric as locals and visitors alike partake in the vibrant traditions that define this special occasion.
Meanwhile, in the nearby town of Comiso, Easter celebrations date back to 1635 and feature the unique "Paci" ritual. This tradition honors the Madonna dell’Annunziata and the Cristo Risorto on Easter morning, where the angel announces the resurrection of Christ to the Virgin Mary. The event culminates in a large procession through the streets, where the two statues are reunited in a moment of peace and celebration.
Another significant highlight of the Easter festivities in Comiso is the solemn mass held at the Basilica of Annunziata, which has already seen initial celebrations leading up to the main event. The culmination of the Paci ritual occurs in Piazza Santissima Annunziata, where the community gathers to witness the symbolic reunion of the Madonna and the risen Christ.
In Modica, the Easter Sunday tradition known as "A Maronna Vasa Vasa" features a touching embrace between the Madonna and the Cristo Risorto, symbolizing the joy of resurrection. This event will take place at noon on April 20, 2025, following an early morning procession of the Madonna dressed in mourning, leading to a solemn Eucharistic celebration.
As part of the Easter celebrations, the Comune of Scicli has also taken steps to address the well-being of pets during the festivities. Recently, the administration released a schedule of firework displays planned throughout the holiday period, which aims to inform pet owners and animal rights associations about the timing of these events. The schedule includes cannon shots at Colle San Matteo on April 19, 2025, at midnight, followed by fireworks on Easter Sunday at various times, including 08:00, 11:30, 12:30, 13:00, 13:30, 15:15, 15:30, and 15:45. Additional fireworks will be set off in different locations throughout the town, including Via Caneva and the Convento del Rosario.
Mayor Mario Marino has urged residents to be mindful of their pets during the celebrations, emphasizing the importance of enjoying traditions while being considerate of all community members, including animals. “We invite everyone to pay close attention, especially those with pets or those sensitive to loud noises,” said Marino, expressing gratitude to the associations that help raise awareness for a more respectful celebration.
In Scicli, another significant site for Easter observance is the chiesetta del Calvario, an ancient chapel that will be open for liturgical celebrations this year. Built in the first half of the sixteenth century, this site has historical significance for the local community. On Thursday, April 17, 2025, the chapel will welcome visitors from 20:00 to 23:00, allowing them to partake in the sacred atmosphere of the season. A pilgrimage from San Giuseppe to the church of Calvario is scheduled for Friday, April 18, 2025, at 9:30, followed by the "Via Crucis" at 18:00 and the evening Mass at 20:00.
As the towns of Scicli, Comiso, and Modica prepare for these vibrant Easter celebrations, the spirit of community, tradition, and renewal is palpable. The combination of music, rituals, and communal gatherings reflects the rich cultural heritage of Sicily while promoting messages of hope and solidarity. This Easter, as residents and visitors come together to celebrate, they will not only honor their traditions but also embrace a future filled with possibility and peace.
