In the evocative setting of Pozzuoli's Rione Terra, one of the most anticipated events of the Ferragosto holiday in Pozzuoli was presented: the "Pennone a Mare - Palo di Sapone." This historic popular event, held annually to celebrate the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, is deeply rooted in local culture and represents a moment of great community participation.
The event, organized by the Municipality of Pozzuoli in collaboration with the Pro Loco and the Palo di Sapone Committee in memory of Biagio Rezzo, will be held on Thursday, August 15th, starting at 16:30 PM at Molo Caligoliano. Here, fishermen will compete in a test of courage and skill to win the three flags positioned on a 15-meter-long wooden pole, tilted at a 45-degree angle to the sea and made slippery by a layer of animal fat.
The "Pennone a Mare" is not just a competition, but also an act of devotion to the Madonna Assunta. Athletes of all ages, spurred on by the cheering of the crowd that will crowd the dock and the boats in the sea, will try to walk the pole without falling into the water, in a race that rewards the person who manages to reach the furthest flag.
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This year, for the second consecutive year, the event will be twinned with the island of Procida, which will send its champion, Domenico Costagliola di Polidoro, winner of the Palo di Sapone during the Sagra del Mare on July 27th. He will be challenged by some of Pozzuoli's most famous competitors, including Vincenzo Perrotta, nicknamed "The Captain," Gennaro Rezzo, and many others. They will be joined by Francesco Di Domenico, known as "Cicciariello," who will participate in a non-competition.
The day's program includes the race from 16:30 PM to 18:00 PM, followed by the celebration of Holy Mass and the city procession in honor of the Madonna. The evening will conclude around 23:00 PM with a fireworks display at Molo Caligoliano, exceptionally authorized by the Municipality despite the general ban on fireworks, in recognition of the liturgical and folkloric importance of the event.
"This year, Pozzuoli's Ferragosto holiday takes on a special meaning," declared Mayor Gigi Manzoni. We didn't want to give up a tradition that unites us as a community and that has received important recognition, being included in the IPIC Inventory of Intangible Cultural Elements of Campania, according to UNESCO regulations. The twinning with Procida ideally unites two seafaring peoples, and we are grateful for the welcome we have received and have willingly reciprocated here in Pozzuoli. The procession will be a moment of reflection and prayer for all of us, united in the name of brotherhood and solidarity.
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