MARITIME REPUBLICS REGATA

Amalfi, May – July

Every four years, in the period from May to July, Amalfi hosts the Historical Regatta of the Maritime Republics, which also involves Pisa, Venice and Genoa, the cities that for centuries fought for supremacy over the Mediterranean. The regatta takes place on galleons of 8 rowers, reconstructed on 12th century models, and is preceded by a procession of figures in historical costume.
 In Amalfi the competition starts from Capo di Vettica and arrives in front of the Marina Grande, with a route of about 2,000 meters.

FESTA DI SANT’ANDREA

Amalfi, 27th June

Amalfi celebrates a great feast in honour of Saint Andrew, patron saint of the city and protector of fishermen and fishmongers. 
It is remembers the miraculous storm of 1544, according to legend unleashed by the Saint, which prevented the Saracen pirate Kair-Ad-Din from conquering the city.

The feast begins with a procession, with members of the various religious congregations that bring to the beach the statue of the saint, affectionately called “o’ viecchio”. Here the fishermen take over and take it to the Cathedral, going up the grand staircase with impetus. In the evening the party explodes with fireworks on the sea.

FESTA DI SANTA MARIA MADDALENA

Atrani, 22nd July

Fireworks from land and sea light up the night of the Amalfi Coast with their colors, paying homage to the saint who, at the end of the thirteenth century, miraculously distanced the threat of Alexandrian pirates. The festival is an opportunity to taste local dishes such as “sarchiapone”, the green pumpkin stuffed with minced meat, mozzarella and eggs, served with tomato sauce. The pyrotechnic shows are not to be missed.

LUMINARIA DI SAN DOMENICO

Praiano, 1st / 4th August

The Luminaria di San Domenico is an ancient tradition celebrated in the convent of Santa Maria a Castro. The feast recalls how St. Dominic’s mother, shortly before his birth, dreamed of a dog with a torch in its jaws to set the world on fire and understood that it was a prophecy about how her son would spread the word of God. In these days the inhabitants of the village compete to illuminate it with candles and torches.

THE OILY FISH DAYS

Cetara, first week in August

Dedicated to fish, the central food of the culinary tradition of the village of cetara, the festival is the ideal continuation of the event “A tutto tonno” began in 1992. In the first week of August the Oily Fish Days are an interesting appointment to discover fishing through meetings and demonstrations that often take place on board the old tuna traps of the Amalfi Coast. In the evening, the port square becomes a restaurant under the stars where you can enjoy fresh fish.

FESTA DELL’ASSUNTA

Positano, 14th and 15th August

A feast particularly felt by the inhabitants of Positano for their devotion to the Madonna dell’ Assunta, it evokes an ancient legend that tells of a ship with a Byzantine icon of the Madonna blocked by the bonaccia in the bay of Positano, which managed to free itself only when the sailors donated the icon to the inhabitants of Positano. On August 14th, the celebrations begin with the “Raising of the Painting” in front of the Church of Santa Maria Assunta; in the evening a procession of illuminated boats reaches the rocks “Mother and Son” in Fornillo and returns to the Great Beach and Cathedral.

BYZANTINE NEW YEAR’S EVE

Amalfi e Atrani, 31st August and 1st September

The Byzantine New Year’s Eve is a historical re-enactment that takes place in Amalfi and Atrani to commemorate the appointment of the Grand Duke of Amalfi. The last day of August the Byzantine Palio is organized in Amalfi with parades and rides in medieval costumes. The next day in Atrani is the representation of the handover to the new Duke.