| Festivities, Festivals and Fairs - Campania Region |
Ischia
July 26, 1997
The beaches and mud baths of Ischia, an island just off the
Neapolitan coast, are a playground for the rich and famous. However, locals still observe
the humble rites marking the Feast of St. Anne, mother of the Virgin Mary. Pregnant women
gather in boats and are ferried out to a reef in Ischia's harbor, where a tiny shrine to
St. Anne is believed to bring them good luck. In recent years, the procession of boats has
grown more and more elaborate.
Ischia. About 15 miles (24km) southwest of Naples.
Tel. 41 87 44 Mirabella Eclano
September 20, 1997
To celebrate the fall harvest, residents of the charming
town of Mirabella Eclano build a giant 60-foot-high obelisk out of wheat sheaves, and then
parade it around town in an ox-drawn cart. Call to confirm date(s) and time(s).
Mirabella Eclano. About 35 miles (55km) west of Naples.
Tel. 41 87 44 Napoli
May 3, 1997
The Neapolitans traditionally have had it rough. In this
century alone, the city has suffered volcanoes, earthquakes and cholera epidemics--so it's
no wonder that the people still turn to San Gennaro (St. Januarius) for advice about the
future. Twice a year--on the first Saturday in May and on Sep 19--city residents flock to
the Duomo to inspect a vial of the saint's blood. The Archbishop reverently brings out the
miraculous relic from its shrine and lifts it high before the hushed and expectant crowd.
The cry "San Gennaro, fa dunque presto!" (Do it quickly!) is often heard as the
anxious seconds turn into minutes. If the blood liquefies--a dramatic phenomenon that
baffles even modern science--all is well and the Neapolitans erupt in jubilation. But if
it remains congealed, Neapolitans quake in their leather boots before the omen of
disaster--and in centuries past, the terrified mob often attacked hapless Protestant
sightseers for good measure. Arrive early for a good seat.
7am
Free admission
Duomo (Cathedral of San Gennaro)
Via Duomo
Tel. 41 86 19
September 7, 1997
Naples' streets come alive during this festival honoring
the Nativity of the Virgin Mary. Locals stage "sceneggiate," a typically
Neapolitan form of street theater, and there are also a fireworks display, a singing
competition and plentiful supplies of fried fish and squid. Call to confirm date(s) and
time(s).
Tel. 41 87 44
September 19, 1997
The Neapolitans traditionally have had it rough. In this
century alone, the city has suffered volcanoes, earthquakes and cholera epidemics, so it's
no wonder that the people still turn to San Gennaro (St. Januarius) for advice about the
future. Twice a year--on the first Saturday in May and on Sep 19--city residents flock to
the Duomo to inspect a vial of the saint's blood. The Archbishop reverently brings out the
miraculous relic from its shrine and lifts it high before the hushed and expectant crowd.
The cry "San Gennaro, fa dunque presto!" (Do it quickly!) is often heard as the
anxious seconds turn into minutes. If the blood liquefies--a dramatic phenomenon that
baffles even modern science--all is well and the Neapolitans erupt in jubilation. If it
remains congealed, then Neapolitans quake in their leather boots before the omen of
disaster--and in centuries past, the terrified mob often attacked hapless Protestant
sightseers for good measure. Arrive early for a good seat.
7am
Free admission
Duomo (Cathedral of San Gennaro)
Via Duomo
Tel. 41 86 19
December 1, 1997 through January 7, 1998
From the beginning of December until Epiphany on Jan 6,
traditional Christmas festivities in Naples revolve around the "presepe," or
Nativity scene. One of the focal points of this tradition is the little street of San
Gregorio Armeno in the old part of the city, where craftsmen continue to make their
"presepi" as they have done for hundreds of years. A visit there around this
time of year affords a true taste of Neapolitan Christmas, with displays of finely crafted
figurines and decorative elements that comprise the presepi--which range in size from very
large to very tiny ones. A large-scale Nativity scene constructed in the tradition of the
18th century can be admired in a grotto beneath the Basilica of Santa Maria della Sanita
(in Piazza Sanita) and still another one is set up in the underground vault of the Church
of San Nicola alla Carita (in Via Toledo).
Tel. 41 87 44
December 31, 1997
Lively, lightly inebriated crowds gather in one of Naples'
principal piazzas for an open-air New Year's celebration that includes live music, dancing
and abundant supplies of Mediterranean good cheer.
Piazza Plebiscito
Tel. 41 87 44
Giugliano in Campania
June 1, 1997
On the first Sunday in June, the residents of
Giugliano-in-Campania place a portrait of the Virgin Mary in an ox-drawn cart and parade
around the center of town. Barefoot flagellants follow the Virgin's image and pay homage
by whipping themselves, though these days they draw less blood than in medieval times.
When the procession arrives at the town's main church, two girls, dressed as angels and
rigged up on ropes far above the crowd, strew petals and flowers upon the ecstatic crowds
below.
Giugliano-in-Campania. About 3 miles (5km) north of Naples.
Tel. 41 87 44
Amalfi
June 25, 1997
When Turks attacked the Amalfi coast in 1544, a brawny but
saintly fisherman drove back the invaders. Every June, the town commemorates his victory:
citizens lug a statue of the saint from the cathedral down to the Amalfi harbor, and
priests bless both the boats and the sea.
Amalfi. About 30 miles (40km) southeast of Naples.
Tel. 23 14 32
Teggiano
June 1, 1997
On the first Sunday in June, residents of Teggiano go to
the town's cathedral and gather up the remains of their patron saint, San Cono, and escort
them in procession around town. A stream of lambs and calfs are herded along too, and
bringing up the rear are a flock of young virgins, both male and female, wearing complex
waxen headgear.
Teggiano. About 55 miles (88km) southeast of Naples.
Tel. 23 14 32
Vallata
June 1, 1997
On the first Sunday of June, residents of a small town in
the mountains east of Naples celebrate the memory of their patron saint, Vito. Women bake
a special unleavened bread called "panelle," supposed to have great healing
power, and children carry the bread in a procession through town. Then the crowds
participate in an auction of local goods, including the famous provolone cheese.
Vallata. About 45 miles (70km) east of Naples.
Tel. 41 87 44
For information
Cooperativa "Il Sogno"
Viale Regina Margherita, 192 - 00198 ROMA
Tel. +39/06/85301758 - Fax +39/06/85301756
e-mail: ilsogno@romeguide.it