Naples

Naples is an Italian city rich in history, culture, and age-old traditions, renowned for its passionate people, music, food, and unique customs that reflect a fascinating past. Neapolitans, known for their warm, welcoming nature, face life’s challenges with a smile and a joke, and hold a deep connection to their land and traditions. The city is the birthplace of pizza, made with just a few simple ingredients like tomato, mozzarella, and basil, following the strict method of the “true Neapolitan pizza,” cooked in a wood-fired oven. Coffee is also a true institution here; it’s not just a drink but a daily ritual. There is even a tradition of the “caffè sospeso” (suspended coffee), where someone pays for an extra coffee for those who can’t afford it, a gesture of solidarity that reflects the generous, community spirit of the Neapolitans.

During the Christmas season, Neapolitan families create elaborate nativity scenes, a centuries-old tradition best represented along the famous street, San Gregorio Armeno. Here, skilled artisans carve figurines for the nativity, including shepherds, animals, and even modern-day characters. Alongside the nativity, many include the “sleeping shepherd” and the “shepherd with the sheep,” symbols of local folklore.

Among the traditional objects, there’s the “red horn” (corno rosso), an amulet against bad luck, representing Neapolitans’ strong connection to superstitions and symbols of good fortune. Other iconic elements include the “Neapolitan tombola,” a bingo-like game that families play during the holidays, and the mask of Pulcinella, embodying the irony, resilience, and satire of the Neapolitan spirit.

Neapolitan music is also world-famous, with traditional songs like “O sole mio” and “Funiculì Funiculà” that celebrate the love for the sea, the sun, and Mount Vesuvius, the volcano that towers over the city. This bond with the sea and nature reflects the open-hearted character of Neapolitans, as does their devotion to their patron saint, San Gennaro. Every year, they celebrate the miracle of “the blood of San Gennaro,” when a relic of the saint’s blood liquefies, considered a good omen for the city.

Naples is a city where modernity and tradition coexist harmoniously, and among its lively streets, the sounds of mandolins, and the aroma of pizza, you can feel the authenticity of a unique, proud people, deeply connected to their history.