On May 4 and 5, Ragusa is preparing for an extraordinary event: the Mascarata , a cultural festival dedicated to the celebration of the city and its rebirth. Organized by the Pietra Viva Association with the support of the City of Ragusa and the Free Municipal Consortium of Ragusa, this event promises an unforgettable experience that embraces different art forms and celebrates the rich history and uniqueness of the city’s two historic centers.
La Mascarata was created in the context of the Baroque Spring, a period that celebrates the post-earthquake architecture and art that characterize Ragusa’s urban landscape. Its main goal is to rediscover the beauty of the area and architecture through a focus on masks, the sculptures that adorn Baroque corbels and have become custodians of the city’s historical evolution.
The event is divided into three distinctive phases, each offering the public a unique and engaging experience. The cultural phase begins with a panel discussion titled “The Thousand Faces of the Masks,” where scholars and connoisseurs of the area will discuss the function and expressiveness of these fascinating works of art. This is followed by cultural-historical disclosure walks under the balconies of the city’s buildings, allowing participants to explore the history and architecture of Ragusa.
The artistic phase of Mascarata is manifested through a series of extraordinary events, including the group exhibition “Witnesses of Time” at Palazzo La Rocca, traveling theatrical performances dedicated to the masks and two art workshops. These events will offer the public an opportunity to immerse themselves in the art and culture of Ragusa, discovering new perspectives and interpretations of the masks and their significance to the city.
The culmination of the Mascarata is the expressive phase, which includes a spectacular goliardic parade accompanied by a street band. The parade will crisscross the streets from Upper Ragusa to Ragusa Ibla, involving social aggregation groups in staging performances of performing arts inspired by the themes of Baroque balconies. Live music and moments of entertainment will make the atmosphere festive and engaging for all participants.
