Tropea Local Customs

Every year, on 3 May, at Tropea there is the festival called I Tri Da Cruci (the Three Crosses). Its name originates from the three wooden crosses that, after the collapse of the small holy building in which they were housed, were later placed in the church of the souls in purgatory and nowadays are still objects of great veneration. The festival, set in the period of the Saracen invasions, refers to various episodes in the history of Tropea, especially to the participation of many of its townspeople in the Battle of Lepanto. Among these citizens, Colonel Gaspare Toraldo particularly distinguished himself, who captured a Moorish ship, capturing 30 men and their captain, the Rais Zesbinassan. Moreover, tradition has it that the return of the Tropean men was heralded by a dove, that the victors freed to announce the victory of the cross over the half moon. This event led to the definitive liberation of Tropea from the infidel. During the festival therefore, the driving away of the Saracens is acted out and, in particular, the capture of the tax official who, hated by everyone, is led through the streets of the town on a camel collecting taxes. The infidel, impersonated by an effigy stuffed with fireworks, is followed by the "borghigiani", who finally manage to unseat him and set him alight.

Every year, from the beginning of June to about mid-September, the Tropea Town Council promotes a rich series of events entitled "Tropea Summer". The varied occasions include permanent exhibitions, classical and light music concerts, musical events enlivened by karaoke, theatrical performances and motorcycle rallies. A special place is dedicated to traditions, with folkloristic shows and the famous parade of the 'giants', huge papier-mâché puppets, accompanied along the streets of the small town to the roll of kettle drums. All the events are hosted in the suggestive surroundings of the historic centre of Tropea. The musical walks, for example, follow a precise itinerary, with stages in the doorways of some of the most beautiful noble mansions of the town. The guided tours are also very interesting, during which visitors can admire the artistic and architectural treasures of this Tyrrhenian town, especially the beautiful cathedral, on a Norman plan, and the many churches, among which, very unusual, the church of Santa Maria of the Island, situated on a charming spit of land projecting into the sea. Finally, among the occasions, the famous onion and blue fish harvest festival should be mentioned, during which enthusiasts of Mediterranean traditions can enjoy sampling these exquisite specialities from the Vibo Valentia area.