Originally Posted by
LaurieWhitten
Is anyone familiar with the summer celebration of the Festa di Sant Andrea in Amalfi? I understand it is held on June 27th and is in the evening. My family will be staying in Sorrento and had planned an Amalfi Coast tour that day, but, now that I have heard about the festival day, I would like to know more about it and am considering trying to plan an Amalfi Coast day drive which ends in Amalfi and would allow us to see some of the processions, etc.
Is this festival/procession something we should try to see? Is it feasible to try to hire a driver who would take us on the Almafi Coast tour and then stay with us in Amalfi to see the celebration before returning to Sorrento?
Any idea what time the fireworks would end, etc,??
I am having trouble finding an exact schedule for the celebration, so any thoughts on the schedule, feasibility of this plan, etc., would be appreciated.
thanks.
You're lucky because I live on the Amalfi Coast and I can answer to all your questions
First of all, you can't miss St.Andrea Festival. If you want to remember your trip here you MUST see it.
The festival is held because of miracle happened on June 27th 1544 when Amalfi was saved from the attack of a fleet of Saracen by divine intervention of the Saint, whose relics are kept in the dome.
On the evening of June 27th a magnificent procession takes place. A wonderful silver statue of the saint (made in the XVIII century) is carried down the steps of the cathedral and through the narrow streets of the town. Then the procession reaches the beach where the blessing of the boats takes place. Amalfi was once a town of fishermen and Andrew was a fisherman too, so that's why this tradition is still followed nowadays.
But the most spectacular moment of the festival is the running of the statue on the stairs of the cathedral. It's a breathtaking experience like no other. The carriers of the saint run with his heavy statue up a long stairway in less than half a minute while people clap and shout for joy and the marching band plays music. I assure you that it is an unforgettable experience.
Then the Festival continues with music and wonderful fireworks.
Now, let's give you some practical notes.
Usually there are special ferries for the occasion, but I don't know about any of them leaving from Sorrento, so I suggest you to hire a driver to be sure to come back in Sorrento.
The procession usually starts at 8.00 pm after the mass and ends by 9.30 pm.
Be warned that there is a very big crowd so you'd better arrive early in Amalfi and leave after the fireworks display usually held at 10.30 or 11.00 pm. Anyway the program should be availble for the middle of June.
For other info feel free to ask! =)