Baltimore (CA 68) - Naval Cruise Book

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MESSINA Almost totally destroyed by earthquake and later practically levelled by Allied bombardment during the war, Messina has rebuilt from its rubble to become one of Sicily ' s major cities and one of the better Mediterranean liberty ports. We were lucky enough to arrive in Messina in time for its annual fiesta, or fair. This four-day event, to which come spectators from all parts of Sicily and .southern Italy, was highlighted by parades, in which red-sashed and red-capped men pulled two huge on-horseback statues, representing the first rulers of Sicily. An exposition which featured Sicily ' s domestic and export manufac- tures was a popular attraction, and there even was a miniature Coney Island, with sundry amuse- ments. Motorcycle races monopolized the final day of the fiesta and appeared to be Sicily ' s major ' ' ' ■ ' ' sports attraction. Dancing in the streets and several performances of well-known Italian operas, given by a Sicilian company in a five-sided arena, served to emphasize the gaiety which this annual affair brings to Sicily. Many of us went to Taormina, some .30 miles from Messina and high up in the hills. This town, long popular with tourists from all over the world, afl ' ords a great panoramic view of the coastline and has a fine line of beaches at the base of its hills. The exceptionally tasty Bierra Messina gave a new and welcome flavor to the sidewalk cafes with which we are now so familiar. The old tower clock, and the intricate evolutions with which it daily announced high noon, was another thing which helped to make Messina a wholly enjoyable port-of-call.