Feast of the (Madonna del) Carmine

The feast of the Carmine has very ancient origins and finds its climax in the traditional "incendio del Campanile" (bell-tower on fire): the tower is covered by fire rains to imitate a real fire extinguished when the Vergine del Carmine's  (or "mamma d'o Carmene") painting arrives. The feast will live again its secular ceremony on 13th, 14th, 15th and 16th July between the historical Piazza Mercato and the attractive Piazza del Carmine. This year the Santa Maria del Carmine Maggiore basilica and the Commercial Natural Centre of Piazza Mercato Ancient Stores will present a special edition which renews the feast's devotional aspect enhancing its historical connection with Neapolitan popular culture and its historical places. One of the most important moments will be the spectacular fire on Sunday 15th July, with the XI° edition of "La Notte della Tammorra" (Tammorra's night), the musical and traditional culture festival which will be held on 13th and 14th July.

The culminant event is the suggestive "Incendio del Campanile", a fireworks display on the Fra Nuvolo's bell-tower, a "unicum" of its genre historically connected with Masaniello's revolt.

The "Tammorra's Night", conceived by the Neapolitan composer Carlo Faiello and organized by "Il Canto di Virgilio" Association, in Piazza Mercato, aims to safeguard the Popular Culture. Two days dedicated to welcome with artisans, musicians, associations, local communities, ambassadors and Tradition keepers who will offer to citizens a unique story of our Cultural heritage safeguard's value and importance.

In exclusive and in honour of celebrations of the Carmine, the historical Santa Croce al Mercato church, the symbol of Piazza Mercato requalification, will be open to the public. Guided tours and some little events will animate this holy place.

The theatricalist itinerary on 13th, 14th and 15th July dedicated to Masaniello and proposed by the NarteA Cultural Association, recalls the revolt's moments. The incredible union between art and theatre, history and everyday life will transform the quarters' monumental places with an involving dive into the past. Info 339.7020849 - www.nartea.com. Obligatory Booking.

From 2nd to 20th July the Unopiùuno 5FESTIVAL - Far artists under the near sky of Naples will be held at the Sant'Eligio Maggiore al Mercato's monumental complex. Conception and stage-managing by Gianfranco Gallo and organization by Moviesud Sottopalco in collaboration with Asso.Gio.Ca.
Admission: 13 €. Season Ticket: 5 shows  - 50€, 8 shows - 75€, 12 shows - 90€. Download the complete show listing.