Celebrations in honor of Saint Restituta

May returns, and once again the long-awaited event of the solemn celebrations in honor of Saint Restituta marks the beginning of the beautiful season in Lacco Ameno. It is precisely at this time that the faith of the Lacco Ameno and Ischia communities bursts forth in a whirl of colors, sounds, and scents, but above all in a religious fervor that brings thousands of tourists and residents to pay homage to the Patron Saint of the Diocese of Ischia.

Amid the sparkle of lights and the cheerfulness of sweet stalls, moments of intense liturgical devotion alternate with folkloric events.

Events and gatherings begin on May 8th, building up to the main celebrations on May 15th, 16th, 17th, and 18th.

A host of faithful and clergy accompany the statue of the Saint in a moving procession by sea on May 17th, followed by the sirens of steamships and fishing boats to the Marina of Casamicciola, where the Bishop’s greeting awaits. At dusk, the statue returns to its home in Lacco Ameno. The following day, May 18th, the venerated statue of the Saint travels through the streets of the town amid prayers and hymns of the faithful, walking on a carpet of flowers left in its path, culminating in a touching visit to the hospital, where Saint Restituta brings her message of love and comfort to all those going through difficult times.

On the final evening of the celebrations, the statue of the Patroness is laid down from its throne, the hymn in her honor is sung one last time, and amid the emotion of all present, the sweet young woman is bid farewell: “our Saint Restituta.”

The cult of the Saint venerated in Ischia originates from the Abitinian Martyr revered in Carthage, a devotion brought in 429 A.D. Tradition holds that the boat guided by angels brought the martyred body of Restituta to an island called Aenaria, at the location known as Le Ripe, “Ad Ripas,” today’s San Montano.

The most evocative moment of the festival takes place on the evening of May 16th, right in the Bay of San Montano, during the “Sacred Representation of the Martyrdom and Landing of Saint Restituta Ad Ripas.” This is a deeply felt event, drawing thousands of people to the beach from the afternoon in search of the best vantage points to watch what the devoted youth have prepared.

…And gradually, as a joyful multitude flows in from all directions, the sky takes on a poignant transparency of sea water, with a crescent moon and evening stars shining to the west… when the blue darkens over the white sand, the white lilies among the greenery, and the red vestments of the clergy, the spotlight illuminates the final earthly moments of Restituta… a silence, full of emotion and expectation, falls over the people surrounding the scene, and the reenactment begins—a tradition for over 40 years that brings the martyrdom of Saint Restituta to life once again (source: emmesse).

The virgin Restituta, brought before the Proconsul Proculus for refusing to renounce her faith in God, is tortured and sentenced to death, placed on a boat to be burned. Divine intervention punishes her persecutors, setting their vessel on fire, while the lifeless body of Restituta, guided by an angel, reaches the beach of the village of Eraclium at the location called “Le Ripe.” The small village was inhabited by fishermen, farmers, potters, merchants, and sailors. Some of the population practiced Christianity, notably a devout woman named Lucina, wholly devoted to good works, to whom the Lord sends an angel in a dream announcing the arrival of Restituta’s remains.

The representation concludes with the general emotion of spectators and participants, as the people called by Lucina rush to the beach to receive the body of the virgin, who from that day on became their eternal protector.

This reenactment takes place each year thanks to the cultural contributions of Prof. Giovanni Castagna and the dedication of the youth of the “Associazione Culturale Le Ripe.” Special mention goes to the late Don Pietro Monti, without whom the tradition might not have continued, and to Prof. Marta Scandiuzzi for inspiring even the youngest participants.

The contribution of the “Committee for the Celebrations in Honor of Saint Restituta,” supported by the Municipality of Lacco Ameno, is essential for organizing the festival.

The true protagonists, however, are the young people of Lacco Ameno, whose enthusiasm and devotion make it possible to continue such an important event for the island community.