Madonna delle Grazie Festival and "Pane e Pummalore" Food Festival

A festival of sea, faith, and tradition in Lacco Ameno

Every year, between late June and early July, the town of Lacco Ameno on the island of Ischia, in the province of Naples, celebrates the Madonna delle Grazie Festival. Organized by the Santa Maria delle Grazie Parish and the Festival Committee, the event combines moments of deep spirituality with cultural and popular festivities that highlight the local identity, set against the backdrop of the sparkling sea and the town's historic landmarks.

The sea procession

The most evocative moment is the sea procession: local fishing boats and pleasure craft gather off the Lacco Ameno pier to escort the Madonna's effigy along the coastline. The parish priest blesses the fishermen and the seafaring community as the boat parade travels toward the Spiaggetta delle Monache and Lido Sombrero before returning to the pier. It is an ancient ritual that renews the profound bond between the island community and its sea.

"Pane e pummalore" and Neapolitan song

On the beach in front of the parish church, the "Pane e pummalore" festival celebrates one of the oldest peasant traditions: bread and tomato. A symbol of simplicity and conviviality, this dish may seem modest, but it is rich in history, family heritage, and local pride. The tasting serves as a prelude to the "Note sotto le stelle" concert, dedicated to Neapolitan music and the region's musical identity, bringing the summer evening in Ischia to life.

Solemnity and the land procession

The feast day of the Madonna delle Grazie is marked by Holy Masses and culminates in the solemn land procession: the venerated effigy is carried through the streets of Lacco Ameno accompanied by a brass band, drawing crowds of faithful and visitors alike during the height of the summer season.

A highlight of the Ischian summer

The Madonna delle Grazie Festival is one of the most cherished traditions in Lacco Ameno, Campania: a tapestry of faith, folk culture, and authentic flavors that captures the maritime soul of Ischia. Those spending their summer in the Gulf of Naples will find this festival a perfect opportunity to experience local culture up close, amidst processions, music, and seaside gastronomy.