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Sant'Anna

Sant'Anna

City of Ischia 26/07
The Feast of St. Anne dates back to a tradition of the last century. On July 26, of each year, pregnant women went in procession to worship the effigy of the Virgin Mother, that was in a chapel in the Bay of Cartaromana. They were accompanied by a procession consisting of the fishing boats, which for the occasion decorated the hull with boughs and garlands of flowers.
In the early 30s a group of friends had the idea of establishing an award for the most beautiful boat. Afterwards this group of friends joins a carpenter and craftsman who replaces goiters raft of forms and surprising ornaments. A so start the festive procession with floats in sea water. Since then, the party of the sea cliffs of St Anne has a charm all its own, is an event that has no equal in the world, because it uses a scenario that alone would be worth to live forever. The number one of viewers is exorbitant that crowding on the cliff overlooking the yachts in the beautiful bay. They want to be witnesses that the party retains its charm over time, the atmosphere that is created by the burning of the castle and the spectacular fireworks.

St. John Joseph of the Cross

St. John Joseph of the Cross

City of Ischia from 04/09 to 08/09
San Giovan Giuseppe was born in Ischia on August 15, 1654 with the name of Carlo Gaetano Calosirto. At just the age of 16 he was welcomed by the Franciscans in the convent of S. Lucia al Monte in Naples, on June 24, 1671 where he made his solemn profession on 18 September 1677 and was ordained a priest. After three years, he asked to be deprived of active and passive voice and devote himself exclusively to prayer and the apostolate, in 1688 he returned to Ischia to assist the dying mother and then to his poor health. Died in Naples on March 5, 1734, in the convent of S. Lucia al Monte. On October 4, 1779 in the Franciscan church of S. Maria d'Aracoeli in Rome, Pope Pius VI declared the heroic virtues of Brother John Joseph of the Cross. The same Pope proclaimed him Blessed in the Basilica of St. Peter on May 24, 1789. On May 26 1839, Pope Gregory XVI canonized this holy son of Ischia, the Church's glory, honor and pride of the Franciscan Order.
In the church calendar, the Saint is honored on March 5, while the festivities in the streets of Ischia Ponte, were held on the first Sunday of September for a period of four days. In these days of celebration, the church is decorated and Masses were celebrated continuously, the relic of the saint is carried in procession through the city streets and sea where the boat with the relic is followed by the fishermen. The festivities end with a fireworks show.

Sant'Alessandro

Sant'Alessandro

City of Ischia on 26/08

The historical parade of St. Alexander, on the initiative of a group of residents in the village of Saint Alexander, is a representation in rich costumes of the history of the island, the Greek domination, until the unification of Italy, through the influences of style engraved by various conquerors also foreigners who have inhabited it. Departing at sunset, from the great portal of the Aragonese Castle, accompanied by the flag bearers of some district invited for the occasion and, along the main road through the town center, reaches the port then the District of Sant’Alessandro where we celebrate the Mass in the church dedicated. At the end of the Mass in the small village there is a party with music and drinks offered.

Our Lady of Sorrows

La Madonna Addolorata

Forio from 01/03 to 01/04
Our Lady of Sorrows was initially called Virgin Mary of the Seven Sorrows, but Pope Pius X in 1913 looked at the liturgical feast of Our Lady of Sorrows as on September 15th. Our Lady of Sorrows has her heart pierced by seven swords because seven were her greatest sorrows: the prophecy of Simeon, the flight into Egypt, the loss of Jesus at the age of 12, his journey to Golgotha, the Crucifixion, the Deposition from the cross and burial.
The liturgical feast of Our starts on Thursday two weeks before Easter, in fact, is the solemn enthronement that from the beginning of the novena.
On Friday before Palm Sunday (or sixth Friday of Lent) is a day of pain and sadness because he remembers the pain of Mary, from six o?clock in the morning successive harvest. At 10.00 there is a solemn mass and procession at 11.00 there is the statue of Our kept in the Parish of St. Sebastian, is carried in procession through the main streets of the town. The afternoon of the same day there are the "three hours" of Mary desolate, with sacred songs and moments of reflection on the Seven Sorrows.
On the evening of Palm Sunday, held the traditional "kiss Snow" (people in turn approaches the statue to kiss the mantle).
On Holy Saturday, at the end of the Easter Vigil, the image of the Virgin is crowned with flowers, the singing of the "Regina Coeli" (singing in Latin, which the people of Forio joyfully sings on Easter Sunday during the angel?s run).
The statue of Our Lady of Sorrows is carved into the wood, its coat is pure silk with gold embroidery, in Baroque style.
There are currently three different clothes of Addolorata, one of which is of ancient manufacture and was made immediately after the war (1953) with the help of his faithful, on the cloth are embroidered with the symbols of the "Passion of Christ" ( the cross, thorns, spear, etc.)..
In addition, the statue has in its hands precious objects donated by the faithful as votive offerings. It is said that the statue belonged to a noble Forian family and was donated to the Church.
The author of the statue is unknown.