SEA PARTY AT THE ROCKS OF SANT’ANNA
July 26
The feast of St. Anne stems from a long and historic tradition in which Ischia’s expectant women would go to the small church of St. Anne located in the Cartaromana area. Pregnant young women would travel from the Aragonese Wharf to the small church in festively dressed boats to give thanks to the patroness of childbirth.
Over time, this custom took on a spirit of competition among the various Ischitan families, who were busy setting up their festively decorated boats to choose the most beautiful and flamboyant boat. This competition gradually grew into a larger event, capable of involving not only all the towns on the island, but also the nearby islands of Procida and Capri.
Since 1932 the Bay of Cartaromana has become a natural stage where, on the occasion of July 26 and then the Feast of St. Anne, allegorical boats parade representing stories and scenes from island life and beyond. The event has more than 90 years of history and thousands of people already participate in it in the period leading up to the most important moment, which is July 26, a day on which in the entire Borgo of Ischia Ponte and even at sea people meet to share in the excitement of the Festival. In addition to the artistic part with the allegorical boats and the musical show, the most anticipated moment is the simulated burning of the Aragonese Castle with the notes of “Blue Dolphin” by Maestro Stephen Schlacks in the background followed by the pyromusical fires. The suggestion of the Bay of Cartaromana that becomes a real theater in which art and emotions manage to impress on those who attend the party a memory that will remain indelible. An experience to be lived.
