Delegation From Sicily Visiting Middletown

MIDDLETOWN, CT — Middletown is being visited by dignitaries and citizens of its sister city, Melilli, Sicily.

The visit coincides with the Feast of St. Sebastian.

The Melilli delegation consists of about 54 people, including Melilli’s Mayor Giuseppe Carta.

Amongst the group will also be 15 members of the Banda Comunale Città di Melilli (Melilli City Municipal Band), along with academics, artists, and other members of the community of Melilli. The band will play several concerts during their visit, and the public is invited to attend.

The Melilli delegation will also set up a display at the Feast of Saint Sebastian in Middletown (May 16 through May 18). The exhibit, entitled Casa Melilli, will showcase local products and the culture of Melilli.

The officials official opening of Casa Melilli was on tap for Friday evening, on the Feast grounds, followed by a concert of the Melilli City Municipal Band. Saint Sebastian Church is located at 155 Washington St.

A screening of a documentary film about Sicilian-Americans living in Middletown is slated for Saturday at 2:30 p.m. at Russell Library in the Hubbard Room. The documentary, spearheaded by Angelo Glaviano, a professor at Middlesex Community College, contains interviews with Middletown residents who moved to Middletown from Melilli, Sicily.

Mayor Benjamin D. Florsheim commented, "I am delighted to welcome the delegation from Melilli, Sicily, to Middletown. This sister cities relationship recognizes the familial and cultural ties many Middletown residents share with Melilli. Most community members, even those who do not share cultural ties with Melilli, are descended from immigrants. The sister cities bond pays homage to the great impact immigrants have had on our community, strengthens international cultural ties and understanding, and celebrates the special relationship many in Middletown share with Melilli. I also recognize and honor those of native heritage living in our community, and I recognize those whose ancestors came to our shores unwillingly. We absolutely need to recognize all aspects of our history. It is also important that we take time to recognize the wonderful aspects of our history, and celebrate the ties that unite us all as human beings. I welcome everyone in our community to these events to come together in celebration.”

The full schedule of weekend events is detailed below.

Friday May 16

4:45pm Inauguration of "Casa Melilli"
Location: Saint Sebastian Feast Stage

5:00-6:00pm Banda Comunale Città di Melilli (Melilli City Municipal Band) Concert
Location: Saint Sebastian Feast Stage


Saturday May 17

12:00pm – 1:30pm Banda Comunale Città di Melilli (Melilli City Municipal Band) Concert
Location: Saint Sebastian Feast Stage

2:30pm – Screening of Documentary film about Sicilian-Americans living in Middletown followed by group discussion; Mayoral Remarks
Location: Russell Library Hubbard Room


Sunday May 18:

6:15pm – 7:30pm Banda Comunale Città di Melilli (Melilli City Municipal Band) Concert
Location: Saint Sebastian Feast Stage


Monday May 19

5:00pm – 5:30pm - Banda Comunale Città di Melilli (Melilli City Municipal Band) Concert
Location: Middletown Municipal Building Council Chamber (245 deKoven Drive, Middletown)

5:30 reception in lobby of Council Chamber

6:00pm – Special Meeting of the Common Council recognizing the Sister Cities agreement between Middletown, Connecticut and Melilli, Sicily
Location: Middletown Municipal Building Council Chamber