The island’s towns build competing floats to sail in a flotilla, with fireworks and a symbolic “burning” of Ischia Ponte’s medieval Castello Aragonese.
Huge crowds of visitors and locals alike turn out to witness the magnificent scenes.
The day begins with a parade through the port, in which pregnant women and those hoping to fall pregnant participate (Saint Anne is a patron saint of pregnant women).
Traditionally, fishermen would decorate their boats with garlands and gather in the bay to recite prayers in front of the little church of Sant’Anna.
The religious ritual was traditionally accompanied by a rich dinner at sea, featuring a spread of local fare.
Nowadays, the main event is the judging of specially built floats created by each of Ischia’s six main towns: Ischia (Porto and Ponte), Casamicciola Terme, Lacco Ameno, Forio, Serrara Fontana and Barano.
The floats depict different themes that in some way represent the island or a particular chapter in the community’s history.
Illuminated, they make their way around the bay, passing by the castle, as well as a huge crowd and a panel of judges.
There is a live commentary throughout the procession and a prize is awarded to the most beautiful float.
The awards ceremony is followed by a fantastic display of fireworks that can be seen from miles around.
The hundreds of ships that gather in the harbour blare out the horns in approval, as the night sky becomes an explosion of colour that is coordinated to include the small village of Campagnano, which looks down on the harbour.
The climax of the event is a simulation of Castello Aragonese in flames, with smoke and special effects making for a hugely impressive scene.
Red fireworks create an illusion of destruction as they re-enact the sacking and burning of the castle wrought by the Saracens centuries ago.
Sadly, due to the coronavirus pandemic, the previous two editions of the event have been cancelled.
