Naples: the events not to be missed!

Although it's one of the coldest months of the year, January bears the imprint of the long Christmas festivities, which end on the 6th with Epiphany. In the days leading up to this feast, you'll find stalls of sweets and chocolates to help you make the perfect stocking stuffer, and although it may seem like a holiday reserved for the very young, the magic of it will enchant the hearts of older children too.

17 January is the feast of Saint Anthony, whom the Neapolitans honour with parties and bonfires all over the city, the symbol par excellence of this event.

The Carnival usually takes place in February, a day when young and old alike dress up in classic costumes or those inspired by characters of the moment. A veritable parade of colours and music, in search of the most original disguise that will go viral on social networks.

In March, the weather starts to become milder, although rain does occasionally darken the sky. The Neapolitan theatre calendar is rich and this is an excellent opportunity to attend a performance and see the inside of the city's beautiful theatres, first and foremost the famous Teatro San Carlo and the magnificent Teatro Bellini.

In Naples, as in the rest of Italy, 25 April is Liberation Day, commemorated by parades to celebrate the end of the Fascist regime.

April also usually falls on the Easter Week, a time when religious and secular traditions merge. If you happen to be in Naples at this time, tradition dictates that you eat Zuppa di cozze - mussel soup - on Maundy Thursday. On that day, it's easy to find and enjoy in almost any Neapolitan restaurant. In 2024, Easter Week begins on 29 April.

This is the month dedicated to culture: the Maggio dei Monumenti - the 'May of Monuments' - includes numerous festivals and free visits to artistic and cultural sites throughout the city, some of which are only open at this time of year.

The first weekend in May sees the Procession of the Statues, an event that includes a procession of statues of saints, starting from the church of Santa Chiara.

In June, the weather in Naples is magnificent and the long sunny days mean that you can enjoy a leisurely breakfast overlooking the sea. The city has now woken up from the harsh torpor of winter to the unpredictable weather of spring days, when very hot days can alternate with cooler ones.

For some years now, June in Naples has been accompanied by the Napoli Teatro Festival, a period when actors and theatre companies from all over Italy and beyond find the ideal stage for their productions.

For those with a sweet tooth, the third week of June sees Naples' seafront host the Pizza Village, an event dedicated to the world's most popular dish.

The thermometer is red for these two months. In July and August, the city's thermometer can even exceed 35 degrees, so you need to plan carefully when you can go for a walk or do some sightseeing in the open air.

On 16 July, the Madonna del Carmine is celebrated with an evocative procession that ends in the Piazza del Carmine, packed with worshippers.

This is perhaps the most popular month for Neapolitans because the weather is still perfect, but less stifling than in previous months. But above all because one of the city's most picturesque and unique events takes place here: the Miracle of San Gennaro, which takes place on 19 September in Naples Cathedral.

This month also sees the Napoli Film Festival, which screens films all over the city and pays tribute to independent cinema. In 2023, it will take place from 25 to 30 September.

October is undoubtedly the month of the year dedicated to the arrival of autumn and to gastronomy. The city and province are the scene of numerous festivals devoted to local produce and other products. Don't miss the chestnut festival, the black truffle festival, the wine festival and the beer festival.

All Saints' Day, which falls on 1 November, is a public holiday. On this day, pastry shops in Naples sell torrone dei morti (nougat of the dead), a delicious traditional Neapolitan sweet in honour of the dead.

December is one of the most popular months for young and old alike, as Christmas is fast approaching. Naples is often blessed with a mild climate, making it ideal for long walks along the seafront.

December 8 is the feast of the Immaculate Conception, so you may find a few people in the narrow streets of the historic centre, especially towards Via San Gregorio Armeno, the street of the cots. Not everyone knows that craft workshops are open all year round, not just at Christmas.

The Christmas Eve aperitif is held on 24 December, and has become a tradition in the city. While waiting for dinner, people linger in the streets of Naples, sipping drinks with friends and eating pizzas.

At midnight on 31 December, the last day of the year, you can watch one of the most incredible spectacles in Italy and beyond: the fireworks. Most Neapolitans are still attached to the custom of lighting up the sky at midnight on 31 December with colourful fireworks purchased by private individuals. We advise you to watch the free show from a viewpoint and not to buy uncertified equipment.