San Michele
The wonderful maritime procession of San Michele Arcangelo
Saints’ day feasts on an island are always linked to the sea. On Ischia in particular, some of them include a maritime procession that is always fascinating to see. The feast of San Michele Arcangelo, which takes place in the village of Sant'Angelo on 29 September, is a particularly evocative event.
One of the most appealing moments is the maritime procession that takes place in the late afternoon, as dusk is falling. The statue of the saint is carried aboard a boat from the harbour by fishermen from Sant'Angelo. The boat travels west, in front of Punta Chiarito, and then heads east towards Maronti, accompanied by numerous fireworks.
Lots of boats anchored out at sea wait for the boat with the saint to pass and make lots of noise as it goes by. There is a great view of the event on land from Maronti car park, where the celebrations continue with music and plenty of good things to eat, as is also the case in the village of Sant’Angelo, after San Michele has been disembarked and Holy Mass has taken place in the square.
