Feast by the sea, on the rocks of Sant’Anna
The feast of Sant’Anna arises from a long and historical tradition in which pregnant women from Ischia went to the small church of Sant’Anna located in the Cartaromana area. The young women who were pregnant went from the Aragonese pier to the church on boats dressed to the nines to give thanks to the protector of women giving birth.
Over time this custom took on a spirit of competition between the various Ischia families, busy setting up the festively decorated boats to choose the most beautiful and flashy boat. This competition gradually transformed into a larger event, capable of involving not only all the municipalities of the island, but also the nearby islands of Procida and Capri.
Since 1932, the Cartaromana Bay has become a natural stage where, on the occasion of July 26th and therefore the Feast of Sant’Anna, allegorical boats parade representing stories and scenes of island life and beyond. The event has over 90 years of history and thousands of people already participate in the period preceding the most important moment which is that of July 26th, a day on which people meet in the entire village of Ischia Ponte and even at sea to share the emotions of the Festival. In addition to the artistic part with the allegorical boats and the musical show, the most awaited moment is that of the simulation of the fire of the Aragonese Castle with the notes of “Blue Dolphin” by Maestro Stephen Schlacks in the background followed by the pyromusical fireworks. The suggestion of the Cartaromana Bay which becomes a real theater in which art and emotions manage to impress on those who participate in the party a memory that will remain indelible. An experience worth living.
