According to tradition, on the occasion of the Messina earthquake of 1908, a fishing boat caught in the seaquake began to pray to the Madonna, who, appearing to the fishermen, calmed the waters and led them to safety towards the small port of the seaside village of Santa Maria La Scala.

Every year, on the last Sunday of August, an important celebration is held in the hamlet of S. Maria La Scala, of which the Virgin is the patron saint.

The festival includes a procession through the streets of the town and a stop of the simulacrum at the small pier of the village, where, on their boats, the fishermen of the area and from other neighboring areas, rely on the Madonna della Scala, greet her and they pay homage by sounding the sirens of their boats.

In conjunction with the festival, collective playful events are held with the participation of the whole community: the traditional sea antenna and the regatta Schetti and Maritati, which sees the two "teams" compete on the traditional boats called count.

On the occasion of the religious festival, the Festa del Pescatore is also held, a local festival of fresh fish that attracts the general public and tourists.

Text source: https://reimar.it/puntodi interesse/borgate-di-acireale-3/