Discover Naples: the feast of San Mario on January 19th

Naples, one of the most fascinating and lively cities in Italy, is a place where tradition and modernity intertwine in a unique embrace. Every year, on January 19, Naples celebrates the feast of San Mario, an event that has its roots in local history and culture, attracting residents and visitors to live an experience rich in spirituality, art and gastronomy. This festival is not only a tribute to one of the city’s most venerated saints, but also an opportunity to immerse yourself in Neapolitan life, characterized by warmth, conviviality and a strong sense of community.

The feast of San Mario stands out for its religious celebrations, which include solemn masses and evocative processions that cross the streets of the historic centre. But the celebration is not just a moment of spiritual reflection; it is also an explosion of culture, with musical events and shows that enliven the squares and alleys of Naples. The culinary traditions linked to this celebration offer an unmissable opportunity to savor typical dishes, prepared according to ancient recipes, while the local markets and fairs are filled with colors and scents, attracting visitors from everywhere.

The street artists, with their performances, add a touch of magic to the festive atmosphere, while the active participation of schools and local communities makes the festival a collective event that unites different generations and cultures. For tourists, Naples also offers useful advice on how to get there and where to stay, making a visit to this festival an unforgettable experience. Finally, curiosities and anecdotes about the feast of San Mario further enrich the knowledge of this centuries-old tradition. Discovering Naples during this celebration means experiencing a moment of authentic beauty and joy, immersed in the beating heart of a city that celebrates its roots with pride and passion.

History of the feast of San Mario

Origins

The feast of San Mario is a religious tradition that is celebrated in Naples on 17 January each year in honor of the city's patron saint, San Mario. The festival has ancient roots that date back to the 17th century, when the plague spread through the city and the Neapolitans invoked the saint's help to protect them from the disease. The devotion to San Mario quickly spread among the population and the festival became an important moment of prayer and thanksgiving for the community.

Traditions

The feast of San Mario is characterized by solemn masses in the churches dedicated to the saint, processions that cross the streets of the city and cultural and musical events that enliven the squares of Naples. During the festival, the faithful carry the statues of San Mario in procession and participate in moments of prayer and reflection together with the community.

Importance

The feast of San Mario is a moment of great significance for Neapolitans, who venerate the saint as protector of the city and ask for his intercession for the health and prosperity of all. The festival also represents an opportunity to strengthen the sense of community and identity among the citizens of Naples, who gather to celebrate their faith and their traditions together.

The figure of San Mario in tradition Neapolitan

Origins and cult

San Mario is a saint venerated in the Catholic tradition, particularly venerated in Naples and Campania. The origins of San Mario are shrouded in mystery, with different versions and legends that have followed one another over the centuries. According to tradition, San Marius was a Roman soldier who converted to Christianity and suffered martyrdom during the persecutions of the emperor Diocletian in the 3rd century AD.

Patron saint and protector

San Mario is considered the patron and protector of numerous categories of people, including soldiers, the mentally ill, prisoners and animals. His figure is often invoked for protection and healing from physical and spiritual ailments. In Naples, San Mario is particularly venerated and his feast is celebrated with great devotion and participation by the faithful.

The figure of San Marius is often represented wearing the armor of a Roman soldier and holding a sword, symbols of his martyrdom and his Christian faith.

Traditions and popular devotion

In the Neapolitan tradition, San Mario is considered a very popular saint and invoked to obtain graces and favors. There are numerous churches and sanctuaries dedicated to him in the city of Naples and throughout the Campania region. The feast of San Mario is a moment of great participation and involvement of the local community, with processions, solemn masses and cultural and musical events taking place in his honour.

Religious celebrations: masses and processions

Masses

The feast of San Mario is celebrated with solemn masses in the church dedicated to the Saint, which is located in the Sanità district of Naples. The masses are characterized by a very heartfelt participation on the part of the faithful, who gather to pray and pay homage to the patron saint of the city.

Processions

One of the most evocative traditions linked to the feast of San Mario is the procession that takes place through the streets of the Sanità district. During the procession, the statue of the Saint is carried on the shoulders by devotees and followed by a crowd of faithful who sing hymns and prayers. The streets are filled with colors and sounds, creating a magical and engaging atmosphere.

The processions of San Mario represent a moment of great devotion and participation for the local community, which mobilizes to pay homage to the Saint and renew their faith.

Cultural and musical events

The festival of San Mario in Naples is characterized by a series of cultural and musical events that involve tourists and residents, making the atmosphere even more lively and engaging. During the festival, it is possible to participate in concerts, theatrical performances, art exhibitions and other cultural events that enliven the streets of the city.

Squares and church courtyards are often transformed into stages for local and international artists, who perform concerts of classical, jazz, pop and folk music. Furthermore, numerous theater companies offer street theater shows and comedies that tell stories linked to the Neapolitan tradition.

There is also no shortage of art exhibitions that celebrate the culture and history of Naples, offering visitors the opportunity to discover works by contemporary and historical artists who have contributed to making the city an important artistic center over the centuries .

Music is a fundamental element of the San Mario festival, with concerts and performances held in various parts of the city, from the historic center to the suburbs. The musical genres offered range from classical to contemporary, offering a wide variety of proposals for all tastes.

For those who love culture and music, the feast of San Mario in Naples is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the city and discover its rich artistic and cultural heritage.

Traditions culinary related to the party

Neapolitan cuisine

The feast of San Mario in Naples is also an opportunity to taste the typical dishes of Neapolitan cuisine. During the festival, numerous restaurants and street food stalls offer local specialties such as fried pizza, pasta with meat sauce, Sfogliatella and babà. Tourists can taste these delicacies and immerse themselves in the city's culinary tradition.

Furthermore, it is customary to prepare traditional dishes in Neapolitan homes to celebrate the feast of San Mario. Families gather around the table to share typical foods and remember the ancient traditions linked to the saint.

Neapolitan cuisine is famous throughout the world for its goodness and variety. During the feast of San Mario, tourists have the opportunity to savor the authentic flavors of the Neapolitan culinary tradition and discover the importance of food in local culture.

Furthermore, during the festival it is possible to participate in tastings of local wines, such as the Lacryma Christi del Vesuvio, and discover the perfect combination between food and typical wine of the region.

Local markets and fairs

Markets

The feast of San Mario in Naples is characterized by the presence of numerous local markets and fairs that enliven the streets of the city. During the festival, it is possible to find stalls selling typical Neapolitan products such as sweets, ceramics, handicrafts and souvenirs linked to the religious tradition of San Mario. The markets offer a wide variety of local products that allow tourists to immerse themselves in the culture and traditions of the city.

Local fairs

The local fairs during the San Mario festival in Naples are a unique opportunity to discover the excellence of the area. Here you can find typical products such as cheeses, cured meats, wines, olive oil and much more. The fairs also offer performances by street artists, musicians and dancers who enliven the city's festive atmosphere. Tourists can participate in local fairs to savor the authentic flavors of Naples and to enjoy moments of leisure and entertainment.

Furthermore, local markets and fairs during the feast of San Mario represent an opportunity to support the local economy and to get in touch with local producers and artisans. Visitors can purchase high quality products directly from producers, thus contributing to enhancing the traditions and excellence of the city.

Performances by street artists

The feast of San Mario in Naples is a special occasion to enjoy performances by street artists from all over the Campania region.

Street performers enliven the city streets with performances of music, dance, theater and circus arts, creating a lively and engaging atmosphere for visitors. Tourists can attend performances by local and international artists, who perform in squares, parks and alleys of the historic center of Naples.

The performances of street artists during the San Mario festival are a unique way to immerse yourself in Neapolitan culture and art, and to discover emerging talents in the city's artistic panorama. Tourists can actively participate in the shows, interacting with the artists and getting involved in the magic of live performances.

The performances of street artists during the San Mario festival are an unforgettable experience for those visiting Naples, and represent an opportunity to discover the most creative and artistic side of the city. Tourists can attend shows that are free and open to all, which make the celebration of San Mario even more special and engaging for those who decide to participate.

Participation of schools and local communities

Schools

The schools of Naples play a fundamental role during the feast of San Mario. Students actively participate in religious celebrations, with dedicated masses and processions in honor of the saint. Many schools also organize cultural and musical events linked to the festival, involving students in artistic and musical performances that celebrate the Neapolitan tradition linked to San Mario.

Local communities

The local communities of Naples are deeply involved in the celebration of the feast of San Mario. Each neighborhood organizes events and demonstrations to honor the saint, involving residents and visitors in moments of prayer and celebration. The local communities also dedicate themselves to the preparation of traditional culinary dishes linked to the festival, offering everyone the opportunity to savor the gastronomic specialties of the Neapolitan tradition.

The participation of schools and local communities during the feast of San Mario creates an atmosphere of sharing and belonging, allowing residents and visitors to fully experience the cultural and spiritual richness of Naples. The active presence of schools and local communities helps to keep the tradition of the feast of San Mario alive, transmitting to young people the value and meaning of this religious celebration.

Advice for tourists: how to get there and where to lodge

How to get there

To reach the feast of San Mario in Naples, you can take a flight to Capodichino airport, located about 7 km from the city center. From the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to get to the party area. Alternatively, you can reach Naples by train, with the Napoli Centrale central station connecting the city to the main Italian cities.

Where to stay

Naples offers a wide choice of accommodation for tourists who participate in the feast of San Mario. If you want to be close to the party venues, you can opt for a hotel or bed and breakfast in the historic center of the city, near the Church of San Mario where the celebrations take place. If you prefer a quieter solution, you can choose to stay in the surrounding residential neighborhoods, such as Vomero or Posillipo, which offer a panoramic view of the city and the Gulf of Naples.

Alternatively, you can opt for a stay in a farmhouse near Naples, to enjoy the beauty of the Neapolitan countryside and savor the typical dishes of the local culinary tradition.

It is advisable to book accommodation in advance, especially during the San Mario festival period, to ensure availability and get the best rates. Furthermore, check the reviews of other guests to choose the property that best suits your needs and preferences.