Viva Santa Rosalia! Last night I enjoyed an evening in Palermo celebrating the persistence of this city that has seen millenia of humanity on her streets. It was the 402nd Festino di Santa Rosalia.
La Santuzza, as the locals call Rosalia, is the co-patroness here. In life she was an example of faith in her beliefs during uncertain times (She’s very much like Saint Francis, having refused the wealth of her family in order to be devoted to social causes as inspired by Christ.). In death she inspired the citizens to stay the course of healing while they dealt with a devastating plague in 1624. Today, Rosalia inspires still – – for Palermo and us all to fight the disease of corruption.
This year’s carro trionfale or triumphal chariot was designed by designer and architect Mario Cucinella. The theme is one of community and rebirth.
2027 will be the European Year of the Normans, and of course, Palermo being an important part of Norman history and culture, the city will play a significant role. With this in mind, Cucinella created a stage that he calls the “garden chariot.” It is a series of blocks adorned with design motives from the UNESCO recognized Arab Norman architectural style found in the Capella Palatina, the Norman Palace, and Monreale Cathedral, then decorated with botanicals and 300 luminous butterflies.
From an article in the Monreale Press, Cucinella explained that the theme is “From drama comes ritual and from ritual comes community.” And community, guided by the example of Santa Rosalia, can create the future, one that through memory, faith, and innovation, can create a collective narrative pointing towards a more conscious, green, and communal urban vision.
Palermo has been an example of elements of this already over the past 30 years, and having witnessed it first hand, I can say that I am ignited with hope by such a vision and believe that those Palermitani with pure hearts can continue to foster such a vision into a continued reality.
Viva Palermo! Viva Santa Rosalia!