It will be held in Taurianova from 2 to 5 August
It will take place from 2 to 5 August in Taurianova (RC), the ninth edition of “International Madonnari Competition – City of Taurianova”event conceived by the Friends of the Stage Association aimed at valorising the ancient art of the madonnaritradition, history and the territory which is transformed into an exclusive scenario for street art.
And this year too there will be over 50 artists coming from all over Italy, Europe and the world they will color the city with their chalks for a event one of a kind in the south, included among the largest cultural and artistic events in Calabria and recognized as “REGIONAL EVENT” (Calabria Region Law n.27 of 4.8.2022) which every year attracts and fascinates visitors with a fine carpet that reflects the cultural diversity and universality of the art of madonnari which become part of their ephemeral works of art, this carried out this year on the theme: “Mary, Art and Wisdom”.
This extraordinary event, which sees the artistic direction by professor Antonella Larosathis year also becomes an opportunity for Taurianova to celebrate its history, its culture and its identity.
In the official poster, in fact, the road, the stage of Madonna’s art, acts as an easel for the book, on the cover of which the Madonna of the Mountain is depicted, a work created in “International Madonnari Competition – City of Taurianova” in 2022 by Jose Fernando Cardenas Barrera, Colombian artist.
The art of the madonnari, with its thousand-year-old tradition, fits perfectly into the important anniversary of the Miracles of the city’s patroness, a source of great veneration and devotion for the local community. Madonna art, therefore, also wants to celebrate the beauty and spirituality that shape daily life in Taurianova.
«The “International Madonnari Competition – City of Taurianova” in recent years it has increasingly strengthened the city’s bond with the Madonna, Queen and Patroness of the city – says the parish priest Don Mino Ciano –. The prayer that the artists recite on the asphalt, with their chalks, this year is part of the events of 130 years since the Miraclesand the program of our initiatives will include a beautiful, colorful and lively choral praise that will reach the sky from the streets”.
The prestigious title of Book Capital for the year 2024 is a recognition of the cultural richness of the city, to which the “International Madonnari Competition – City of Taurianova” has always aimed, by inserting itself into this framework the competition contributes once again to making culture accessible to all and to transforming the streets of Taurianova into a living stage of art and creativity.
«Taurianova will experience an extraordinary year in 2024 – says the Taurianova Culture Councilor Maria Fedele – under the aegis of Capital of the Book. We can only be proud of this particular network of memorandums of understanding which highlights the never-dormant desire for social and cultural growth in our city. We are ready to leave for this exciting adventure.”
The “International Madonnari Competition – City of Taurianova” it is therefore much more than a simple artistic exhibition; it is a tribute to the thousand-year-old tradition of the madonnari, the street artists who, since ancient times, have enchanted the public with their ephemeral and evocative works. Originally concentrated in the streets of Italian cities, madonnari have advanced an art that blends technical skill and a deep connection with the audience.
One of the most fascinating aspects of “International Madonnari Competition – City of Taurianova” it is in fact its collaborative nature between the artists and with the city. The artists not only compete with each other for the best work, but they inspire each other, sharing artistic techniques in a climate of friendship and mutual respect, at the same time finding in Calabria the community spirit that makes the event also a welcoming experience one in a kind.
«We are happy to announce the ninth edition of our Competition – states the architect. Giacomo Carioti, president of the Association Friends of the Stage – within an important year for our city. In recent years we have worked so that art, mixing with traditions, could give the event an artistic-cultural peculiarity and this year celebrate the madonnari in the setting of Capital of the Book and in the year of grace in where Taurianova will also receive the title of Marian cityfor us it is really beautiful and gratifying, because we also have the opportunity to reciprocate the sacrifice of the artists who bend over for hours, under the sun, just to give us their works and their art that we offer to the city and to Maria».
In addition to the works of professional madonnari, there will be initiatives designed for the little ones with recreational-educational workshops and spaces dedicated to emerging artists, but also entertainment and musical shows.
Confirmed again this year Madonnaro Grand Galaan evening of celebration of Madonna art with the awarding of works judged by a jury of experts.
It is possible to consult the competition notice and stay updated on the official competition website http://www.madonnaritaurianova.it/ and the related social pages.
The event has already enjoyed the patronage of Ministry of Culture, from the Calabria Region, of the Regional Council of Calabria, from the Metropolitan City of Reggio Calabria, of the National archeologic museum Of Reggio Calabria, of theAcademy of Fine Arts of Reggio Calabria, from the diocese of Oppido Mamertina – Palmi, of the Municipality of Taurianova, of the Municipality of Terranova SM, from the Consultation of Taurianova Associationsof the Beautiful Way of Mexico Festival, from the Regional Institute Foundation for the Greek Community of Calabria, Of Extraordinary Calabria.
