Carafa Parade

On Sunday 25 May 2025, the streets of Roccella Ionica will come alive with the eleventh edition of the Carafa Historical Procession, one of the most evocative re-enactments on the Calabrian cultural scene, rooted in the history of the House of Princes Carafa della Spina, lords of the fiefdom from 1479 to 1806.

The event stems from the desire to rediscover and hand down the link between the community and its historical identity. The procession is now one of the most eagerly awaited events of the territory's cultural season, capable of involving citizens and visitors in a journey back in time, amidst period costumes, re-enactments and performances.

The procession will start at 5 p.m. from the Carafa Castle, the prince's ancient residence and still a symbol of the city, where Fabrizio Carafa, the 1st Prince of Roccella, will leave, accompanied by his wife Giulia Tagliavia d'Aragona and other members of the noble family. Accompanying them will be historical, religious and civil figures, knights of the Order of Malta, nobles and commoners in faithfully reconstructed clothes. The route will cross Largo San Giuseppe, via Garibaldi, Piazza Borgo, via XXV Aprile, Piazza San Vittorio, ending in the suggestive Largo Colonne ‘Rita Levi Montalcini’, where tributes, performances and a spectacular re-enactment of the landing of the Saracens on the coast of Roccella will take place.

The evening will end with a convivial moment open to all, in the name of sharing and collective memory.