5 things to do and see in Riace
Riace became famous worldwide for two extraordinary stories: the discovery of the Bronze Warriors in its waters, and the Global Village, an innovative model for the integration of migrants. But there is much more to discover...
1 – In September and May, the festivals of Saints Cosmas and Damian
From 25 to 27 September, Riace celebrates its largest festival, an event that brings emigrants from Riace back home and gathers together the faithful, along with Rom and Sinti communities from across Calabria. There are prayer vigils, wax ex voto offerings given in thanks for graces received, and throughout the night, Rom music and dancing. – The large statues of the saints are carried in procession from the main church to the Sanctuary. It is a powerful collective ritual, repeated on the second Sunday in May with the Festa del Braccio, the «Festival of the Arm», when the Sacred Relic is carried in procession all the way down to the sea.
Photo: SharryLand
2 – The Global Village: Riace, a town of welcome
From 2004 to 2018, Riace created a system for welcoming migrants. This system made the town famous around the world. Under the guidance of Mimmo Lucano, activist and mayor, asylum seekers were given accommodation, access to services and schools, and the chance to learn a trade and the Italian language. – Many of the buildings left empty by Riace residents who had emigrated abroad opened their doors once again, becoming homes and multi-ethnic craft workshops. The large sky blue mural with arrows pointing the way to the Global Village became the symbol of a different, more hopeful future.
3 – Riace Marina beach, where the Bronze Warriors were discovered
It was 16 August 1972 when a young diver, swimming in the waters off Riace Marina, discovered one of the most extraordinary masterpieces of Greek art: the so-called Riace Bronzes. Today, the huge statues of the two warriors are kept at the National Archaeological Museum of Reggio Calabria, but their discovery brought worldwide fame to our small village. – Fifty years later, in the summer months, our beaches fill with cheerful bathers. And yet, every time we dive into the waves, we all secretly hope that the seabed might reveal another wonder…
Photo: SharryLand at the National Archaeological Museum of Reggio Calabria
4 – The murals of Riace: messages of hope
The most recent mural celebrates the twinning between Riace and Gaza: two hands clasped together, one painted in the colours of the Palestinian flag, the other in the colours of the peace flag. – One mural shows Pope Francis, paintbrush in hand, writing a message of peace on a wall. Another is dedicated to the brave journalist Peppino Impastato… – We invite you to go on a little treasure hunt, looking for the murals along the streets of Riace Marina and Riace Superiore. The joy of discovery is all yours!
Photo: Domenico Lucano Source
5 – Loggerhead sea turtles and the hatching of their eggs
Here is another wonderful reason to love Riace. The Jasmine Coast is one of the favourite nesting sites of the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta). Year after year, these turtles come here to lay their eggs. WWF volunteers and local environmentalists keep watch to protect the nests. Seeing the tiny hatchlings make their way towards the sea is an unforgettable experience!
Photo: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Source
Cover photo - Marcuscalabresus - Fonte
