16/07/2011:
Miracle of the blood of San Gennaro

19 September: Miracle of the blood of San Gennaro (Duomo of Naples).

The celebrations for Naples patron saint, usually begin on September 16th and continue until the Sunday after the saint’s day, which falls on September 19th.

This is an ancient ritual, the first celebrations is thought to have been held at the end of the 14th century, when the blood of San Gennaro, kept by the bishop of that era, returned to a liquid state on the anniversary of the Saint’s martyrdom: September 19th.

Since then, Naples commemorates the miracle with a fascinating religious procession, with rose petals and silver statues of saints and with more pagan celebrations that involve the whole city.