The San Costanzo Procession

Author: Serena

According to tradition San Costanzo arrived on the island of Capri while he was coming back to Constantinople by sea. Because of a great storm he remained on the island where he died few time after and his memorabilia prevented Capri from the Saracen attacks. The San Costanzo statue is kept in the ex Santo Stefano cathedral and it is ornamented with precious stones coming from Villa Jovis containing some San Costanzo memorabilia.

The Santo Stefano Cathedral

The day before the celebration this statue is shown in the church and on the 14th of May it is transported through a long procession into the Church of Marina Grande where it will remain for a week before being brought back to Capri.

The Marina Grande Port

This procession takes place during the afternoon going through the urban streets and arriving to Marina Grande. The procession starts with a fanfare accompaigned by a big rich purple banner that recalls the arrival of San Costanzo on the island. This first part is followed by the arrival of the Religious Fraternal Orders: the most ancient one among them is which one of San Filippo Neri whose members wear a white tunic with a red little cape. After them a group of altar boys wearing a red tunic carry a crucifix and, finally, there are all the religious representatives carrying lighted candles followed by the Patron Saint statue carried on shoulder by the members of the San Filippo Neri Order. After them there is the Capri mayor together with the district council carrying the flag with the municipality’s symbol. During the procession from their balconies people throw on the statue some roses and brooms petals. During all the procession you can listen to many firecrackers explosions especially in Marina Grande Port where they are even added to many ferry whistles.