San Gennaro, security plan kicks in: cathedral locked down and traffic blocked.

Naples – The Neapolitan capital is entering the heart of the celebrations for San Gennaro with an organizational structure designed to accommodate thousands of worshippers and tourists. A comprehensive traffic and public order plan has been implemented between the Duomo and Piazza degli Artisti, developed by the city to ensure the smooth running of religious services on September 18th and 19th. The plan thoroughly regulates vehicle traffic, the use of public land, and street vendors.

Measures for traffic

The central axis of the restrictions concerns Via Duomo. In the section between Via Tribunali and Piazzetta San Giuseppe dei Ruffi, all parking spaces have been removed, and a stopping ban is in effect, with a block on vehicle traffic, extended until the end of the event. The same pattern applies to the section between Piazza Museo Filangieri and Via Tribunali, where the ban on motoring will begin in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Specific measures also apply to the hilly area. Parking is prohibited in Piazza degli Artisti, Via Recco, and Via Casale de Bustis from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Access to the square's central avenue is prohibited and reserved for non-scheduled public transport only. Traffic will be completely blocked during the evening fireworks display.

Anti-glass and outdoor seating ordinance

For public safety reasons, the mayoral ordinance imposes stringent restrictions on commercial establishments on Via Duomo:
Beverages: No more serving in glass, aluminum, or hard plastic containers; only paper or lightweight plastic cups are permitted.
Public land: Permits for tables, seats, and outdoor displays along the pilgrimage route have been temporarily suspended.

The calendar of liturgical functions

The eve of September 18th sees the arrival of institutional delegations and the display in the churchyard of the sculptural work "Gli occhi di San Gennaro" by Lello Esposito, before the evening celebration presided over by Archbishop Domenico Battaglia.

On Saturday the 19th, the Cathedral will open its doors at 7:30 a.m. The climax is set for 10 a.m.: Father Mimmo Battaglia will open the safe in the Treasury Chapel to extract the ampoules and carry them to the high altar. If liquefaction occurs, the miracle will be announced in the nave and then in the square. The exposition will continue into the afternoon, opening the week of the Thanksgiving Octave with daily celebrations until September 26th.