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Patron saint festivities in Naples
20 Aug 2007
For Neapolitans, San Gennaro, patron saint and protector of their fair city, is inextricably linked to the heart of the city, and his feast day is as much a celebration of Naples, its heritage and culture, as it is of the life of the saint.
The celebrations centre on a giant statue of San Gennaro, which dispenses its blessings upon the city's faithful inhabitants as it is paraded through the streets. Neapolitans sing and pray in its presence, then dance on the streets in a massive outdoor party that takes over the entire centre of Naples.
Things come to a head as San Gennaro performs his bi-annual miracle - turning his blood, which is stored in the Church of Naples, back into liquid – as a sign that he still watches over Naples.
The absence of this miracle is taken as an omen of bad things to come and has been linked with the city's darkest hours throughout history.
San Gennaro's feast day falls on 19 September in the Catholic calendar and is enjoyed by Neapolitans all around the world, particularly in New York where the Italian community comes together for 11 days of celebrations (as seen in 'The Godfather' films).
Fancy going to this event? Use Opodo's travel search engine to find flights and hotels for your stay.
© Adfero Ltd
The celebrations centre on a giant statue of San Gennaro, which dispenses its blessings upon the city's faithful inhabitants as it is paraded through the streets. Neapolitans sing and pray in its presence, then dance on the streets in a massive outdoor party that takes over the entire centre of Naples.
Things come to a head as San Gennaro performs his bi-annual miracle - turning his blood, which is stored in the Church of Naples, back into liquid – as a sign that he still watches over Naples.
The absence of this miracle is taken as an omen of bad things to come and has been linked with the city's darkest hours throughout history.
San Gennaro's feast day falls on 19 September in the Catholic calendar and is enjoyed by Neapolitans all around the world, particularly in New York where the Italian community comes together for 11 days of celebrations (as seen in 'The Godfather' films).
Fancy going to this event? Use Opodo's travel search engine to find flights and hotels for your stay.
© Adfero Ltd
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