The legend
There is an annual celebration held in a small municipality geografically embedded in the northern side of the enchanting island of Ischia;in the hot and enjoyable summer months it attracts not only the locals but also all visitors driven by curiosity and by its unique atmosphere. The feast we are talking about is the one for Santa Restituta, one of the most important festivities of the area, and it takes place in the municipality of Lacco Ameno, a cluster of charming houses with about 4000 inhabitants. The best way to get to this pretty village is by renting a scooter. The liturgical events, that take place between the 8th and 18th of May, are organized to celebrate the co-patroness of the island, in cohabitation of Saint John of the Cross. Instead, the civil festivities will take place between 16th and 18th of May.
From what the legend tells, it seems that Santa Restituta, coming from the northern coast of Africa, arrived on the island with a very simple and rudimental boat, covered only with tar and hemp. Some sources are almost certain that the saint came from what nowadays would be the city of Tunis. Her persecuters wanted to burn her alive on the sea for not denying her profound devotion to Jesus, even after being tortured. Not even the Romans, at the time governed by an emperor (Diocleziano) who more than all the others opressed the christian religion, could diminish a love that had absolutely no limit.
Other than expected, the only boat burning up was the one of her torturers. This providential, lucky and unforseen event made it possible for the woman to flee from her native country and seek refuge on one of today's most frequented islands in the world. Most probably she landed in San Montano, a location where at the time lived a woman called Lucina. The latter got notice of the landing the night before, as she was allerted about it while dreaming. When she went to the beach, Lucina immediately noticed a small boat whose simple form almost seemed to be cradling the body of the saint, by now already unconcious.
Some time later, the bay was literallyinvaded by a great number of white flowers. From this event on, the white lily was inextricably tied to Saint Restituta. Being able to count on the support of the locals, the woman Lucina decided to bury the body of the martyr with dignity, on the mountain that today is called Monte Vico, a location that hosts a sanctuary erected in devotion to Santa Restituta.
Fascination
Of further importance about the feast of Santa Restituta in Lacco Ameno is to mention, that it symbolizes a certain arc of time. This would be, according to who participates directly to the millenial celebations in this charming part of the Campania region, the change from spring to the hot summer season. However, it should be determined, that the tourist season begins normally with the Easter festivities.
White beaches, crystal clear water and endless days of carefree suntanning that will give a nice amber colour to all visitors that decide to spend their holiday here. All this correlates with the island of Ischia, where the best period of the year to contemplate the infinite beauties during a vacation, is right in the month of May. The most emotional moments are doubtless the ones that show the saint coming from the Tunisian coast and landing on the shore of San Montano.
The discovery of some findings of a necropolis from the paleochristian era during the 50's, enriches this story and changes it into something more than a mere legend. Particularily mentioned should be the church, which is one of the most fascinating lithurgic elements of the area. It is situated at the end of the main road Corso Rizzoli, nearby the town hall. The structure of the building is rectangular, containing a single nave inside. The internal perimeter of the church holds a lond series of objects dedicated to the saint. Among those being particularly devoted to the latter, there was a French poet, Alphonse De Lamartine, who wrote for her one of his most beautiful poems.
Religious and civil festivities
Like mentioned above, the highlight of the religious celebration is the faithful representation of Saint Restituta's landing on the beach.
Nowadays, a very antique statue from the 500's is a respectful substitute for the martyr. The church built in her honor preserves not only the statue but also many equally beautiful representations worth mentioning.
The statue carried during the procession, has all the delicacy and voluptiousness in her features and in the conformation of a real woman. Just like a young woman of other times, that would adorn herself with the most precious things in an occasion of a deeply felt festivity, the statue representing the saint will be decorated with all the jewelery that her faithful believers donated over the years. After being lowered into a small boat, the reproduction of Saint Restituta's landing is complete.
Contrary to what you might expect, this event is not the end of the procession.
Since the journey that brought her here was on the sea, this is exactly where the celebration will continue. On the 17th of May, the statue will travel on a hydrofoil departing from the dock in Lacco Ameno and going towards Punta Caruso. At this point the boat will continue towards Casamicciola. During her passage the sea reflects both, her glance, and the jewels that enhance the preciousness of the statue even more. At the arrival the boat will be welcomed by religious and political authorities, and by spectacular and colourful fireworks, whose explosions are absolutely fascinating and not to be missed. The day after, the statue will be carried in procession throughout the narrow alleys of Lacco Ameno.
To mark the end of the festivities, there will be another firework. Before everything comes to conclusion, visitors and locals will go to the church to pay homage to the martyr that will remain in the chapel carrying her same name.
The small streets in the center of Lacco Ameno will be decorated with thousands of coloured lights during this feast. Furthermore, they will be pleasantly lined with many booths were you can buy delicacies of all sort.
To animate the evenings for the children, there will be a small amusment park, which will remain put throughout the whole month. There will also be live music played by bands that come from all over Italy, in order to add another touch of fascination to the atmosphere that you can enjoy here.