Saints days and Festivals

[RayandJax]

Has anyone been to Scalea during a Festival, Carnival or Saints day?

I have heard that there are many such days in Italy and would be interested to have a list of dates for my calendar.

It would be lovely to be there for all the festivities. :P

Jacqui and Ray.

[Margaret]

We were there in December at the time of the feast of Santa Maria dell'Immacolata (8 Dec). We went to the church near us (must admit from curiosity really) and it was really friendly. Very casual with everyone in and out. Really simple and nice. Then the procession afterwards with the madonna carried around the area with everyone following and the way lit up and that sort of southern Italian music (remember the Godfather). Bits to eat outside the church. Plus a REALLY spectacular firework display.

[RayandJax]

That sounds lovely Margaret, did it make you feel christmassey?

We were in Amalfi a few years ago, and the first Sunday in December they seem to have a dedication service to those lost at sea. I couldn't make out if it was for fisherman or those lost in the war but there were representatives from all the services there, looking resplendent in all their finery.

There was a parade to the town square with a brass band playing then they marched to the sea front where wreaths were taken out to the mouth of the harbour by launch, then cast to sea.

It was very moving and we just happened to be there by chance, but it was lovely to see and we felt priviledged to have witnessed the whole event.

I dare say that these sort of ceremonies take place in Scalea and it would be interestng to find out when. Thanks for your reply Margaret!

Regards, Jacqui :P