Celebrate New Year in Naples!

Christmas time in Italy, especially in the south, is very family and religion orientated and less commercial than in many countries.

Visiting Naples during this particular period is something not to be missed!

The most well known area in Naples for artisan shops and craftsmen, is San Gregorio Armeno area, made up of long narrow cobbled streets in the historical centre of Naples. This area is acknowledged by UNESCO as a World Treasure. All year round you can visit the little shops and bancarelle (stalls) packed full of Presepe (Christmas cribs), and may even see craftmen making new pieces.

Not to be missed is a walk down Via Toledo which is full of clothes and bars. Via Pignasecca with its mostly food shops; butchers, delicatessen selling cheese, typical pastries etc. and Porta Nolana, a famous fish market. These streets are full of market vendors selling fresh fish, the traditional capitone (yellow eel), shell fish such as clams, dried salt cod and many other types of fish. From 24th till 31st December, the markets are virtually open 24 hours, with many never closing stalls, and going shopping from morning to late at night is definitely a great experience.

On New Year’s Eve there is a large concert in the famous and beautiful Piazza Plebiscito with famous Italian popstars and TV celebrities as well as local musicians. Many Neapolitans, tourists, young people, couples and families come to se the concert. Many come prepared for the long night ahead with bottles of Italian champagne. At midnight the city seems to explode with fireworks.

The whole city goes crazy for at least an hour with fireworks displays and the best place to stay at this time is Via Caracciolo where a wonderful show of colours lights up the Bay of Naples, the islands of Ischia and Capri. A mock battle is staged between Castel dell’Ovo and the boats in the harbour, with many colourful fireworks which end with the Castle fire. Another excellent view point is San Martino, a castle which overlooks the city.

This is just a tasting of what Naples can offer students at our school during the Christmas/New Year period. Culture, traditions, gastronomy, colours, happiness and much more!

Mariangela