Naples is preparing to celebrate Carnival with a program full of events that will see Piazza Mercato as the epicenter of the celebrations. Starting tomorrow, Friday, February 28, the square will host the third edition of “Sottencoppa – Neapolitan Sonic Carnival”, a festival promoted by the Municipality of Naples and which has become a regular event in the city’s cultural program.
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“Sottencoppa” will animate the square for three days, blending music, performance and rituality, confirming the sound and visionary vocation of the Neapolitan Carnival. The event, with the artistic direction of Giulio Nocera, will see the participation of 15 local and international artists, from Europe, America and Africa, who will perform on the stage set up in the square and under the large circus tent.
Space for children with workshops and shows
Special attention will be paid to the little ones, with a space dedicated to play and reinvention, curated by Selvaggia Filippini and Angela Dionisia Severino. On the program, four events dedicated to children, with ensemble music, puppets and masks of the Commedia dell'arte.
Enhancement of Piazza Mercato and other city spaces
“This confirms Mayor Manfredi’s commitment to the enhancement of this extraordinary place,” said the coordinator of cultural policies for the Municipality of Naples, Sergio Locoratolo. In addition to Piazza Mercato, two other spaces will be involved: the Church of Santa Croce and Purgatorio al Mercato and the Obù Cultural Space, located inside the former Cloister of Sant’Anna a Capuana.
Carnival of Masaniello and Municipality initiatives
On March 2, Piazza Mercato will host the third edition of the “Carnevale di Masaniello”, promoted by the Asso.Gio.Ca Association with the territorial network of the Forum Mercato Orefici and with the moral patronage of the Municipality of Naples. The program includes entertainment for children and families, performances by jugglers and fire-eaters, clown shows and parades of historical reenactment and contemporary masks.
The City Council has also approved a resolution for the promotion and enhancement of Carnival events, with the aim of transforming Carnival into a central moment in the panorama of city events. The Municipalities will be responsible for evaluating the public interest of the initiatives and, where possible, granting exemptions from expenses related to local police services for safety and traffic.
Naples attractive tourist destination
“Naples is a city that enchants the world with its authenticity. This is our wealth and what attracts visitors from all over the world,” said Tourism Councilor Teresa Armato. The goal is to strengthen the image of Naples as a tourist destination, involving young people and promoting socialization in the various neighborhoods of the city.
Article published on 27 February 2025 - 07:29
It seems to me a very interesting initiative for Naples, but I fear that the events are too crowded and there is no space to fully enjoy. Let's hope that the authorities manage security well during the carnival.