St. John's Festival - Summer Solstice in Succhivo

The summer solstice in the village of Succhivo

On June 24th, the day of St. John the Baptist, the small village of Succhivo—a hamlet of the Municipality of Serrara Fontana on the island of Ischia, in the Metropolitan City of Naples (Campania)—transforms into an open-air stage. The St. John's Festival, also known as the Summer Solstice in Succhivo, is one of the most cherished traditions in this corner of the island: an evening that combines popular devotion, agricultural ritual, and village conviviality, with the white houses of the village serving as a natural backdrop.

The 'fucarazzo', an enduring peasant ritual

The symbolic heart of the evening is the fucarazzo, the traditional bonfire lit for the solstice. This custom is widespread throughout rural Italy and has been practiced on Ischia for many years: dried winter herbs are burned as a good omen for the summer harvest. Succhivo, once more prosperous than neighboring Sant'Angelo due to the fertility of the lands of Via Caravano—famous for oranges and lemons—has preserved this peasant tradition and made it the most anticipated moment of the festival. The St. John's fire here is not just a postcard cliché, but a living memory of an island that was long agricultural before becoming a spa and seaside destination.

The zero-mile cake competition

Immediately after the bonfire comes the most delicious event: the strictly zero-mile homemade cake competition, prepared using only local ingredients. It is a friendly contest that showcases traditional island desserts and domestic skills passed down through generations, involving the entire village community every year.

Crafts, flavors, and music in the square

Around the main rituals, a true village festival unfolds. Along the narrow streets and in the village square, you will find:

• local craft stalls and handmade creations;
• food stands with island specialties and street food;
• live music until late at night;
• entertainment and meeting points for families and visitors.

In the 2026 edition, the tenth, the festival was renewed by focusing on Piazzale Nicola Iacono, starting at 7:00 PM with free admission.

A plastic-free festival

For several years, the organizers have chosen the path of sustainability: the partnership with Plastic Free Onlus has led to the elimination of single-use plastic. Plates, cutlery, glasses, and napkins are made of bamboo or other biodegradable materials—a choice consistent with an event born from the relationship between the community and its land. On an island that sees its population multiply in summer, this is a gesture of concrete as well as symbolic value, appreciated by the thousands of people who visit the village every year.

Who organizes it

The festival is promoted by the Gertrud Streicher Association of Succhivo, which is active in promoting the village, in collaboration with other local associations and with the patronage of the Municipality of Serrara Fontana. The same square returns to the spotlight in winter, when Succhivo lights up the Christmas of the Village: two events that mark the year for the small community.

Succhivo, between the mountains and the sea

Succhivo is located on the southern slope of the island of Ischia, along the road that descends toward the exclusive seaside village of Sant'Angelo. The Municipality of Serrara Fontana, the highest on the island, stretches from the slopes of Mount Epomeo down to the sea. Participating in the St. John's Festival is also an opportunity to discover a less touristy Ischia, made of alleys, terraced gardens, and views over the gulf. Those arriving in the afternoon can combine the evening with a walk to Sant'Angelo or a stop on the southern coast beaches, before heading back up to the village as the sun sets and the solstice fire is lit.