Events in the Amalfi Coast

St Andrew’s Celebration - 27 June 2009 - Festival - Amalfi Duomo
Saint Andrew – once a disciple of Jesus and now commonly known as the Patron Saint of Amalfi is honoured on several occasions in the calendar year. But no celebration compares to that held on 27th June. On this day a solemn procession of men carry the holy statue through the winding streets of the town, commemorating the miracle that saved Amalfi from the infamous Pirate Barbarossa in 1544. Once the statue reaches the coast a crowd of fishermen carry it up a steep 62-stepped staircase in an attempt to return the famed statue to Duomo as fast as they can. Spurred on by onlookers it is believed that their efforts are symbolic of strength and faith.

The procession is followed by a festival of energetic musical performances and captivating fireworks, accompanied by a feast of fresh fish, prepared in various forms – fried, stewed and boiled.

Ravello Festival - June to September 2009 - Festival - Various Venues
This mesmerizing musical extravaganza is an annual occurrence in Ravello, stretching from the 26th June until the 27th September. Although the music is strongly emphasized, the festival is inextricably linked with Wagner’s visit to Revallo in 1880. The aim of the Ravello Festival is to generate a special atmosphere which will caress the spirit and feed the soul. The imperative ingredients being the serene landscape. balmy climate, the evocative monuments and friendly encounters. The festival itself is made up of chamber groups, orchestral concerts, musical promenades, ballets, cinema and photography.

The 2009 edition has a rich array of performances, accenting the chosen topic of ‘Courage’, this year’s Wagnerian Leitmotiv.

Find out more at the Ravello Festival official site »

Landing of the Saracens - 15 August 2009 - Festival - Positano To commemorate the landing of the Saracens in Positano, crowds gather on the beach at sunset to watch a re-enactment of the infamous battle that took place on the night of the 15th August 1558. Visitors can expect costumed actors, a wealth of flavoursome food, captivating music, and an almost-guaranteed breathtaking sunset.

Byzantine New Year - 31 August 2009 - Festival - Amalfi Duomo
On August 31, the coastal town of Amalfi observes the Byzantine New Year’s Eve. It’s the celebration of the former Byzantine New Year according to the old civil calendar of the Byzantine Empire. Piazza Duomo is the site for most of the celebrations, including spectacular costumed parades, crowd-pleasing medieval tournaments and the proclamation of the Duke of Amalfi on 1st September, the day once associated with the beginning of the new year.

Expo Ischia - 8-30 August 2009 - Festival - Palasport Federica Tagliatela
Palasport Federica Tagliatela is the site for Amalfi Coast's annual summer fair, Expo Ischia. This festival features a wide variety of both amateur and professional productions, ranging from beauty contests, Hip-Hop routines, group dance, ballet, and shopping events. Food lovers should be sure to visit the Festival delle sagre dei proditti tipici (“Festival of the Tastes”), the famed event whereby the festival organizers and co-ordinators show off their culinary skills by cooking a traditional dish in a copper pot 2-meters in diameter. There are 150 stands dedicated to the discerning shopper, flaunting an assortment of household items from stylish apparel to treasured trinkets and arts & crafts.

Find out more at the Expo Ischia official site »

Fitness Festival - 24-26 October 2009 - Festival - Palasport Federica Tagliatela
Attracting thousands of sport enthusiasts and avid spectators each year the world-renowned Amalfi Coast Fitness Festival is held in Pizza della Concordia (on the Lungomare promenade) in Salerno, with one of the most beautiful panoramas in the world as the backdrop. A rich programme ensures a wide range of sporting disciplines are covered and allows visitors to get involved in a variety of activities including seminars, competitions, and lectures.

The highlights of the festival are ‘Best of the Beach’, a crowd-pleasing beach volleyball tournament with star-studded players from the USA's top model agencies, and the rhythmic Aerobic Fiesta, with guest performances ranging from hip-hop, macumba and gliding to bosu and step. Challenging activities include the Fitness Duathlon, a demanding rowing competition before a spectacular wall climb, and the Fitness Open, involving 7-minutes on a stationary bike followed by another 7-minutes on a treadmill.

Find out more at the Fitness Festival official site »

Schermo - 31 October 2009 to 5 May 2010 - Festival - Cinema Teatro Roma
A movie preview preceding a lively discussion with producers, directors, journalists and other prominent figures in the film industry makes up Naples’ cultural initiative ‘Schermo’. Screening two films daily from October through to May at Cinema Teatro Roma in Portici, followed by a legitimate opportunity for viewers to voice their opinions and give valuable feedback. The evening is completed by a creative fusion of charismatic poetry readings, lively music recitals, and captivating artistic performances.

The full Schermo programme is available from the Cinefourm Portici website »