The main religious event held in Monte di Procida is the "Festa Patronale dell'Assunta" or the Patronal Feast of the Virgin of the Assumption. It is the patronal feast held during the week of August 15, from August 14 to 17. Many families from Monte di Procida have friends and relatives in the United States who return for the occasion, so it becomes an unfailing gathering time for all. Here is this year's programme
RELIGIOUS PROGRAMME - FESTIVAL PROGRAMME WITH ENRICO RUGGERI IN CONCERT
During the Feast, the town turns into a large amusement park with a thousand attractions. The festivities are traditionally closed by a spectacular fireworks display, attracting visitors from all over Campania.
Citizens from Monte di Procida claim these are the most beautiful fireworks in the world!
The fireworks are arranged by Vaccaluzzo Events, which has been bringing the art of pyrotechnics made in Sicily to life since the late 1800s. Here are the company's major successes: the crowning as the best in the world, two years in a row in 2005 and 2006, at Roma Caput Lucis - the World Championship of Pyromusical Art; in 2006, they won the prestigious Champions of Champions Cup in Tarragona, Spain; and again the standing ovation received at the International Symposium in Berlin where they participated as special guests. They excelled among the world's most important teams for juxtaposing the music of live violins with the silent ballet of fireworks, offering an unforgettable show for its elegance and sophistication.
As for religious festivities, the August 15 procession of the Virgin, with a centuries-old tradition, plays a significant role. The Virgin of the Assumption statue, clad in ex-votos, is carried on the shoulders of navy soldiers in military service in Monte di Procida through the village's main streets. It is the feast of seamen and emigrants returning home to thank the Virgin Mary.
In the evening, during a folkloristic auction with centuries-old memories, the offerings collected during the procession, wine, chickens and other countryside products are sold to the people attending the event. Some historians trace this veneration of the Madonna back to the ancient cult of Minerva. It is said that a temple was dedicated to the deity on the nearby Torre di Cappella where the deacon Sossio, martyred in 305 with Bishop Gennaro, was trained. This cult continued as the "warrior Virgin Mary" throughout the Middle Ages until the early 17th century when Cardinal Ascanio Filomarino ordered the church's building to honour of the Virgin. This change also had a peculiar impact on the ancient image - still preserved in the church today, albeit in poor condition - portraying the "warrior Madonna". In depicting her, the painter left her robe open at the front, revealing her calves. Of course, this pose was inappropriate for the Virgin, especially for the religious atmosphere of the time. The bishop did not delay in ordering that the painting be suitably retouched. (MOST INFORMATION IS TAKEN FROM: https://www.comune.montediprocida.na.it/nozioni-generali).
If you are coming to Monte di Procida, come and visit us! You can enjoy a tour of our venue to plan an event or stop by for an aperitif, lunch or dinner! Book now! Phone +39 081 868 24 24 Photo Credits: Pasquale Mancino