Events in Sorrento and Naples: detail

From June 27 2008 to September 01 2008

Traditional Feasts in Amalfi and Atrani

On June 27th, Amalfi celebrates a miracle carried out by St. Andrew in 1544 when the city of Amalfi, threatened by attack from the terrible Turkish pirate, Barbarossa, was saved by a providential storm.
A Silver statue of the Apostle is carried in procession through the streets of the city by men dressed in white. When they reach the beach, the fisherman take hold of it and run to the stairs of the Cathedral with it, where they leave offerings of fresh fish. A fireworks show takes place in the evening.

On July 22nd Atrani, next to Amalfi, celebrates the Feast of St. Mary Magdalene, patron saint of the city. The statue of the Saint is taken out to sea in a picturesque naval procession. The procession terminates with spectacular fireworks on the water.

In the third week of August, Atrani celebrates the Sagra del Pesce azzurro (Bluefish Festival) , organized in the village square with fireworks where typical fish recipes and local wine can be tasted.

The Byzantine New Year is celebrated on August 31st and September 1st every year in Amalfi and Atrani. The celebration in ancient costumes provides the framework for the conferment of the title of Grand Duke of Amalfi, which, from 1839 until the beginning of the 20th century, coincided with the first of September. During the Byzantine period this date was associated with the beginning of the new year.
The commemoration is an extraordinary return to the past, among princesses, standard bearers, noblemen and ladies and flag-waving shows.
The celebrations start out with the Byzantine Palio on August 31st . Blaring trumpets and rolling drums open the festivities in the port of Amalfi with a series of medieval tournaments in which four of the city's twelve districts take part.
The handover between the previous and new Duke takes place in Atrani, in the Palatine Chapel of San Salvatore de' Birceto.

Information:
Tourist Office
Phone and fax: +39 089 871107