Riace and the feast of Saints Cosmas and Damian

They are the beloved patron saints of the municipality of Riace, Saints Cosmas and Damian, and their statues are carried in procession together, united, twice each year. The actual festival takes place Sept. 25-27 and is a riot of local culture and folklore. The statues are carried, over several days, from the Matrice church to the Shrine of Saints Cosmas and Damian. Preceding and following the procession are songs and dances, such as a peculiar tarantella performed between two men that simulates a knife fight, or rhythms and are delayed Roma and Sinti, who are deeply involved of Riace's festivities. More restrained is the May festival, also known as the "Feast of the Arm" because to go out in procession is a particular relic in the shape of an arm. This time the feast goes out of the city and into the countryside, all the way to the coast, to ask for the intercession of the saints for the fertility of the fields and a good harvest. Both occasions are beautiful moments to experience Riace together with its community, in a time of celebration and tradition that unites past, present and future.