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Madonna Vasa-Vasa
The Madonna Vasa Vasa, religious holiday of Easter Modicana characteristic, reflects the traditions of Sicily and each year attracts thousands of tourists.
Easter in Modica is characterised by the inevitable celebration of Madonna Vasa Vasa - one of the best attended festivals. Corso Umberto, full to capacity, is crossed by two processions that start from the church of Santa Maria di Betlem, with a statue of the "Risen Christ", and the other with the statue of the "Madonna" covered by a black veil in mourning, accompanied by the band of the city.
When the clock strikes midday, the two statues, who have been walking the streets via different routes, meet in Monument Square and have the traditional "vasata", that is the kiss, which is the symbolic embrace of the Madonna and Christ. This the highlight of the festival: the Madonna, at the sight of the risen Christ, expands and tightens her arms in joy and disbelief, freed from the black cloak that enveloped her, a symbol of mourning, to show the classic light blue dress, while dozens of white doves hover in the air to seal the happiness of this happy event. This particular movement of the image of Our Lady, based on the model of the "Sicilian puppets", has always fascinated the faithful and curious, making this a unique and original party. The same scene is repeated a second time in St. Peter's Square, and for a third time in Largo Santa Maria. Once the farmers drew omens from the two "vasàte" made in San Pietro and Santa Maria: and depending on their success, they made wishes for the harvest.
Also in Easter, there is another small but significant tradition: Idria Tuesday, which is the Tuesday after Easter. The Easter holidays, which traditionally end on Monday, are continued into the following day, and are dedicated to Our Lady of the Idria. Legend has it that this tradition was born from a misunderstanding on the part of two local farmers who were nearing Modica after returning from a long trip. They had lost track of time and, believing it was Easter day, they stopped on the street and feasted on pastieri and cassata.
When the clock strikes midday, the two statues, who have been walking the streets via different routes, meet in Monument Square and have the traditional "vasata", that is the kiss, which is the symbolic embrace of the Madonna and Christ. This the highlight of the festival: the Madonna, at the sight of the risen Christ, expands and tightens her arms in joy and disbelief, freed from the black cloak that enveloped her, a symbol of mourning, to show the classic light blue dress, while dozens of white doves hover in the air to seal the happiness of this happy event. This particular movement of the image of Our Lady, based on the model of the "Sicilian puppets", has always fascinated the faithful and curious, making this a unique and original party. The same scene is repeated a second time in St. Peter's Square, and for a third time in Largo Santa Maria. Once the farmers drew omens from the two "vasàte" made in San Pietro and Santa Maria: and depending on their success, they made wishes for the harvest.
Also in Easter, there is another small but significant tradition: Idria Tuesday, which is the Tuesday after Easter. The Easter holidays, which traditionally end on Monday, are continued into the following day, and are dedicated to Our Lady of the Idria. Legend has it that this tradition was born from a misunderstanding on the part of two local farmers who were nearing Modica after returning from a long trip. They had lost track of time and, believing it was Easter day, they stopped on the street and feasted on pastieri and cassata.
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