The first celebration, known as the Festa di San Giovannuzzu, takes place on June 24 in the splendid Baroque Basilica of San Giovanni and commemorates the saint’s birth. The second, more festive and folkloric, is held in the days leading up to August 29, the anniversary of his death.
This annual celebration draws dozens of emigrants from Vizzini who are now scattered across Europe, the Americas and Australia, where over six thousand Vizzinesi have settled since 1924. Many of them take advantage of the summer holidays in Italy to visit Vizzini during these festive days, reuniting with family and friends and sharing the experiences of migration.
In Melbourne, the celebrations have become a well-established tradition, with events like the one organised by the Vizzini Social Club on June 21. The evening, a dinner dance, is part of a tradition that has lasted for over 50 years and attracts hundreds of attendees each year, with an average of around 170 club members gathering in a lively and joyful atmosphere.
The festive menu featured typical Sicilian dishes, such as cavatieddi (small hand-rolled pasta), prepared by the women of the Vizzini S.C. Ladies Committee, led by Maria Cangialosi. Assisting Maria in the kitchen were Giovanna Lo Grasso, Giovanna Sortino, Giovanna Ficarra, Anna Frezzini, Nella Arbaci, Maria Piccardini, Josie Fisicchia, Nella Buscema, Rosa Guzzardi, Patrizia Corbino, Marianna Pepe and Emilia Ventura.
The expertly prepared ragù and generous sprinklings of Parmesan complemented the dishes, delighting the palates of all the guests.
The evening began with a welcome speech by club president Salvatore Cangialosi, who expressed gratitude to the committee members for their dedication. Throughout the dinner, the musical group Romanza entertained the crowd with lively rhythms, filling the dance floor with elegantly dressed men and women who were joyful and carefree.
The event, which sold out within days, also drew members from other Sicilian communities, including those from Licodia Eubea, Caltagirone, Grammichele, Valguarnera, Buccheri, Floridia, Sortino, Ferla and many more.
However, among the older participants, there was also some reflection on how traditions have changed over the years. Giuseppe Guzzardi, a former president of the Vizzini Social Club, noted with a touch of nostalgia how customs that once defined the community are gradually giving way to a society in constant transformation, where younger generations struggle to connect with the traditions of the past.
“Our ancient but beautiful traditions are giving way to a modern society that is transforming before our very eyes,” said Guzzardi.
Nevertheless, the older members accept this change as part of the community’s story, written over the past 60 or 70 years in Australia.
The evening ended on a note of joy and friendship, with guests bidding farewell and promising to meet again at the next celebration.
