Annual Events & Festivals
Religious & Traditional:
- Miracle of San Gennaro: First Saturday of May, September 19, December 16. The patron saint's dried blood liquefies during ceremonies in the Cathedral. Huge crowds, important to Neapolitans.
- Holy Week (Easter): Elaborate processions, especially Good Friday. Religious processions throughout the city.
- Christmas Season: November-January. Via San Gregorio Armeno comes alive with nativity scenes. Churches display elaborate presepi.
Cultural Events:
- Maggio dei Monumenti (May): Month-long cultural festival with special openings, concerts, and tours of normally closed monuments
- Pizza Village (June): Week-long pizza festival on Lungomare with pizzaioli from across Italy
- Neapolis Festival (July-September): Music, theater, and cultural events in historic venues
- Ravello Festival (July-August): Classical music festival on Amalfi Coast, short trip from Naples
National Holidays:
Banks, offices, and many shops close on: New Year's Day (Jan 1), Epiphany (Jan 6), Easter Monday, Liberation Day (Apr 25), Labor Day (May 1), Republic Day (Jun 2), Ferragosto (Aug 15), All Saints (Nov 1), Immaculate Conception (Dec 8), Christmas (Dec 25-26).
August 15 (Ferragosto): Major holiday when many businesses close and locals leave the city. Beach destinations are extremely crowded.
Festival Tip: Book accommodations well in advance for major events. The city becomes more crowded but also more festive and authentic.