We could define March as a month full of vigor, where everything blooms and transforms.
The Carnival and Valentine's Day celebrations that set the stage last month, with the indulgence of lasagna and chiacchiere, the flurry of confetti, and hearts full of love, now fade away, leaving it behind until next year.
Just like a new day, our senses awaken in this energetic season. Women, flowers, and birds take center stage; nature wakes up, and so do we. As the true protagonists of March, women evoke our strength, courage, and beauty. Here in Naples, celebrating International Women's Day means remembering the women of the Neapolitan Resistance female; figures who symbolize the matriarchal strength rooted in our culture.
During the 'Four Days of Naples' in 1943, Neapolitan women played a fundamental role in the fight against Nazi occupation, actively participating at the barricades, transporting weapons and messages, and protecting the fighters. Their 'silent' resistance was crucial to the city's liberation.Between myth and history, I must mention Donna Marianna, the symbol of Naples also known as 'a Capa 'e Napule (the Head of Naples). Infact not a real person, but rather a marble head from the Roman era—likely a Venus—found towards the end of the 16th century in the Anticaglia area, Napoli. The name 'Marianna' took hold during the Neapolitan Republic of 1799, when the statue was associated with Marianne, the symbol of the French Republic, strengthening its link to the pursuit of freedom. Her legend is also intertwined with that of the siren Parthenope, the city's founding mother.
Returning to March, travelers are now flocking here because celebrating Easter in Naples , we say: è 'tutt’ n’ata cosa' (it is a whole different story). In every home, the Pastiera and Casatiello are proudly displayed, and every year there is a sort of competition or contest to see who makes the best one.
And then..beyond the city there is our beautiful Mediterranean sea and our islands, the perfect destination for Pasquetta (Easter Monday). Let me introduce you to Ischia, the largest of the three islands in the gulf, where many of neapolitans and visitors go to celebrate the day after Easter."
Ischia known as The Emerald Island is a volcanic island situated about 21 miles west of Naples, is one of the most beautiful islands between the Gulf of Gaeta and the Bay of Naples. Settled in the 8th cent. BC, the island was abandoned several times because of volcanic eruptions (the last of which occurred in 1301). There was a severe earthquake in 1883. Monte Epomeo (2,585 ft/788 m) is the island's highest point. Ischia, the main town, has an imposing 15th-century castle, constructed on foundations built by the Greeks in the 5th cent. BC. This enchanting island has a pleasant, mild climate year round and a distinct rugged beauty, with its green hills covered in vineyards, lush tropical vegetation, olive groves, fragrant pine forests, fine sandy beaches. It is a health resort and a tourist center, celebrated for its warm mineral springs and for its scenery. Fishing and farming are also pursued, and wine (Biancolella, and Per’e palummo), also tiles, and pottery are made-
Ischia has established itself as a premier destination for international wellness tourism, attracting practitioners seeking the perfect balance of nature and spirituality. The island’s unique energy is rooted in the harmony of the four natural elements: Fire, Air, Earth, and Water. provide an ideal ecosystem for holistic practices and professional retreats If Ischia has captured your imagination and you’re already dreaming of its blooming paths and hot spring thermal waters, don’t miss my next post itinerary: " Ischia Experience Yoga Retreat " , Wishing you all a Happy Easter
Anna Naples Italy with love🧡