The cultural heritage of Procida is enriched by the works of renowned writers and filmmakers who have used the island as a backdrop for their creative endeavours. Alphonse de Lamartine’s Graziella and Elsa Morante’s Arthur’s Island are two significant novels that are set in Procida. Furthermore, more than 30 movies, including The Postman and The Talented Mr. Ripley, have used the island as a film set.
In Cleopatra, the harbor of Procida was portrayed as the ancient city of Tarsus in Asia Minor, with the baroque dome of the church in the background. These works of literature and film have contributed to the island’s unique cultural identity and continue to inspire artistic expression.
Discover Procida Visually in the Following Video
Procida becomes Italian Capital of Culture
In 2022, Procida was declared the Italian Capital of Culture, a prestigious recognition awarded to cities with rich cultural heritage and significant cultural events. As part of this recognition, Procida has organized a variety of cultural events and initiatives, including art exhibitions, music festivals, theater performances, and historical tours. Additionally, the Capital of Culture recognition has helped to revitalize and promote the island’s traditional cultural practices, such as the local cuisine, folklore, and traditional crafts. It has also encouraged new cultural initiatives and collaborations, bringing together artists and cultural practitioners from different regions and backgrounds. Overall, the Capital of Culture recognition has helped to solidify Procida’s reputation as a vibrant and dynamic cultural hub, attracting visitors from around the world to experience the island’s unique heritage and creative energy.
History and Culture of Procida explained in a Short Documentary by a Procida Local
Folklore, Traditions and Religious Events in Procida
Procida is a small island with a rich history of folklore and traditions, many of which are tied to religious celebrations. One of the most notable of these celebrations is Holy Week, which takes place in the days leading up to Good Friday. The island’s inhabitants observe many religious traditions during this period, but two of the most moving are the Procession of the Apostles on Holy Thursday and the Procession of the Mysteries on Good Friday.
The Procession of the Apostles takes place on Holy Thursday and involves a procession of twelve young men dressed as the apostles. They carry crosses and candles as they walk through the streets of the island, stopping at various churches and chapels along the way. The procession ends at the Cathedral of San Michele Arcangelo, where a special Mass is celebrated.
The Procession of the Mysteries is a unique tradition that dates back to the end of the 17th century. It involves young men from the island carrying elaborate, allegorical wagons (called “mysteries”) of religious significance through the streets of Procida. The mysteries, which are often highly artistic and symbolic, are prepared by the young people of the island, and nobody except them has seen them before the procession. After the procession, the mysteries are taken apart or destroyed, adding to the sense of ephemeral beauty and the fleeting nature of life.
Apart from religious traditions, Procida also has some cultural events during the summer months. The election of the Graziella (“Little Graceful”) is a popular event held every summer. It is an election of a young woman who wears the traditional dress of the island, which refers to the history told in Alphonse de Lamartine’s novel, Graziella. The event involves a parade of candidates dressed in traditional costumes, and the winner is chosen by a panel of judges.
Another event that takes place during the summer is the literary award dedicated to Elsa Morante and her novel, Arthur’s Island. The award is presented to a writer who has produced a work that reflects the cultural and historical importance of Procida. It is a celebration of the island’s literary heritage and a recognition of its contribution to Italian culture. Overall, Procida’s folklore and traditions reflect the island’s unique history and cultural heritage.
Festivals in Procida
Procida is not only famous for its stunning scenery and rich history but also for its vibrant cultural scene. These celebrations are an essential part of the island’s identity, and they continue to be a source of pride and joy for its inhabitants.
The Sea Festival of Procida
It is an annual celebration held in the month of late July/early August that pays tribute to the island’s seafaring heritage. The festival, also known as the Festa del Mare, features a variety of events and activities, including boat races, parades, live music performances, food and wine tastings, and fireworks displays.
The highlight of the festival is the procession of boats, which takes place in the Marina Grande harbour. The procession features elaborately decorated boats, including fishing boats, sailboats, and even large yachts. The boats are adorned with colorful lights, flowers, and other decorations, and are accompanied by music and dancing.
Another popular event during the Sea Festival is the regatta, which is a boat race that takes place in the waters around Procida. The race attracts participants from all over Italy, and is a thrilling spectacle to watch as the boats speed through the waves.
In addition to the boat-related events, the Sea Festival also features a variety of food and wine tastings, showcasing the island’s rich culinary traditions. Visitors can sample local specialties, such as fresh seafood, pizza, and pastries, as well as local wines and liqueurs. The festival offers visitors a chance to sample a wide range of local seafood specialties, including fried calamari, shrimp scampi, and grilled swordfish. The event is held in Marina Grande, the island’s main port, and features food stalls, live music, and dancing. In addition to seafood, the festival also showcases other local products such as wine, limoncello, and artisanal crafts. The highlight of the festival is the traditional procession of fishing boats decorated with colorful lights that sail along the coast of Procida at sunset. This is a popular event for both locals and tourists and is a great way to experience the unique culture and cuisine of Procida.
The Procida Film Festival
It is an annual international film festival held in the island of Procida in Italy. It was founded in 2013 by Fabrizio Borgogna, with the aim of promoting young and independent filmmakers from all over the world. The festival is open to short films, documentaries, and feature-length films. The competition categories include Best Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Actor, and Best Actress.
The Procida Film Festival is considered one of the most prestigious film festivals in Italy, and has helped to establish Procida as a popular destination for filmmakers and film lovers alike. Apart from showcasing films, the festival also hosts cultural events, such as concerts, art exhibitions, and performances. The festival is a significant cultural event in Procida and attracts a wide audience, including locals, tourists, and film enthusiasts from all over the world.
