Thanks to a cultural grant awarded by La Regione Siciliana, the town of Terrasini, in the province of Palermo, is sending a 28-person delegation to Metro Detroit this May to celebrate and promote Sicilian culture. This special initiative aims to strengthen ties with the region’s vibrant immigrant community and foster cross-cultural exchange through music, food, and tradition.
The delegation is led by Terrasini Mayor Giosuè Maniaci and includes city council members, 14 folkloric musicians, singers, dancers, tree lifters, local TV journalists, and a parish priest. Their weeklong visit will spotlight one of Sicily’s most iconic Easter traditions, La Festa di li Schietti — a symbolic and historic event where bachelors lift a heavily adorned orange tree with one arm to win admiration and, traditionally, the hearts of potential brides.
The visit was made possible through the efforts of Ferdinando Pappalardo, President of Club Terrasini of Detroit, who helped bring La Festa di li Schietti back to life in Metro Detroit. Terrasini and the nearby town of Cinisi are globally recognized for this celebration, which attracts thousands of visitors to the town each Easter.
One of the highlights of the trip will be a formal meeting with Mayor Lori M. Stone of Warren, Terrasini’s official sister city, a relationship formed to honor the deep roots of Terrasini families who immigrated to the area and helped shape Metro Detroit’s cultural fabric.
SCHEDULE OF KEY EVENTS:
Wednesday, May 14
• 10:00 AM – Official meeting with Mayor Lori M. Stone, City of Warren
• 7:00 PM – Italian Cultural Center Dinner Dance
Celebrate with music, folk dancers, and the visiting Sicilian delegation
For ticket Info: Call 586-359-9959 or email nandopappa33@gmail.com
Thursday, May 15
• 9:30 AM – Delegation meeting with Washington Township Supervisor Sebastian Previti
Saturday, May 17
• 12:00 PM Festa di li Schietti CRC Park, 25029 26 Mile Rd, New Haven, MI 48048
Outdoor festival celebrating the Festa di li Schietti
• Food provided: includes lamb, sausage, hot dogs, hamburgers, and Randazzo’s Pizza Food Truck
• Tree lifting, folk dancing, and live music throughout the day
Sunday, May 18
• 10:30 AM – Holy Family Church, Detroit
Procession, Mass, and Blessing of the Orange Tree
This celebration represents not only a vibrant cultural tradition but also a bridge between generations — connecting Sicilian roots to American soil. Don’t miss this special event bridging the miles between Italy and Warren.