In reference to the registration request for the party on “Pagghiaru” Of Bordonaro, in the Register of Intangible Heritage of the Sicilian Region, forwarded in recent months by the mayor of the Municipality of Messina Federico Basile, in agreement with the councilors for popular traditions Enzo Caruso and for relations with the constituencies Massimiliano Minutoli, the Superintendence of BB.CC. AA. of Messina, directed by the architect. Mirella Vinci expressed a favorable opinion and forwarded the documents to the competent REIS Commission at CRICD, to the regional department BB.CC.AA. and to the Department of Cultural Heritage of the Sicilian Identity.
“U Pagghiaru”, an ancient popular festival linked to the agricultural world, dates back to the 11th century and was introduced by the Basilian Fathers who brought from Armenia the custom of celebrating with solemn rites, celebrated under a large hut-shaped tree, on the day of the Baptism of the Lord. Even today, every year, on the day of the Epiphany in the village of Bordonaro, the Messina community gathers around the tree called “U Pagghiaru”, which symbolizes well-being and prosperity both for the new season that is approaching and the hut of the Nativity for its conical shape. The singular composition is characterized by a pole, made with assembled chestnut branches, covered with acacia fronds and adorned with bread and citrus donuts.
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