Splendid boats at the rocks of Sant'Anna

<%=ischia%>'s spectacular festival derives from an ancient custom.

The feast on the rocks of Sant'Anna is the most important celebration on the entire island of <%=ischia%>.
It derives from an age-old custom: on July 26 the women of <%=ischia%> and their families used to travel by sea to the little church of Sant'Anna (overlooking the expanse of water where the celebrations are held today, at the foot of the Aragonese Castle) to invoke the protection of the patron saint of women in labour. This marine festivity is now seventy-one years old and for the last six years the winning boat, chosen among the seven participants (one for each of the six municipalities of the island of <%=ischia%> and one representing Procida), has been awarded the Palio di Sant'Anna, designed by a famous artist. Last year it was Carlo Rambaldi, the inventor of creatures like E.T. and King Kong. This year the honour falls to an honorary citizen of <%=ischia%>, the fashion designer Rocco Barocco. This year's edition will also include a boat decorated by the expert float-makers of Viareggio, the town with whom <%=ischia%> Port has signed a "Friendship Pact".