Affruntata

Among the most important Easter events in Calabria, the Affruntata of Vibo Valentia is the centuries-old tradition representing the encounter between the Madonna and the Risen Christ.

It takes place every year on Easter Sunday in the historic centre of Vibo Valentia, on Corso Vittorio Emanuele. The origins of the Affruntata (or ‘’Affrontata‘’) of Vibo Valentia are medieval and probably date back to a first edition commissioned by the Duke of Monteleone (the ancient name of the city) and established at the Dominican Convent (near the Cathedral of San Leoluca). The current procession of the Affruntata di Vibo Valentia, organised by the Archconfraternity of the Rosary, and the procession of the Vare (Sacred Wombs) originated from that first rite in the 16th century.

The crucial moment of the Affrontata in Vibo is the so-called ‘’sbilamèntu‘’, the dropping of the black veil worn by the Madonna in mourning, which gives way to a splendid blue dress, symbolising joy at the Resurrection of her Son, whose statue advances towards her in the company of Saint John. A number of legends and popular superstitions are also linked to the rite of the Affruntata: the failure of the ‘’sbilamèntu‘’ heralds negative events for the community, such as when, in 1940, the Madonna's veil did not come off, leaving her in mourning, and the following June Italy entered the war.