A' Grazia

‘A GRAZIA: the cult of San Gennaro has always been rooted in Neapolitan culture and is still deeply felt today by the people of Naples, who have an ongoing and above all equal relationship with the saint: a constant dialogue, a relationship of trust akin to that one would have with a close friend. “San Gennaro, you take care of it!” is an invocation repeated in the face of personal and collective worries, natural events, and disasters. “San Gennaro, you know me, if you could do me the favor,” says Massimo Troisi in one of his most famous sketches. Nino Manfredi invokes him in Operazione San Gennaro, and the entire city prays to him, seeing in him a brother to whom they can turn in times of need. Whether you are a believer or not, three times a year Naples Cathedral fills with the faithful to witness His latest miracle.

The chosen dates are the first Saturday in May, September 19, the Saint’s feast day, and December 16, the “Feast of the Patronage of San Gennaro,” in memory of the terrible eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 1631, which he stopped.

His blood is displayed before thousands of citizens and the faithful who wait (and hope) with bated breath that the blood will melt. What happens if it doesn’t melt? The Neapolitans begin to tremble because it is an omen of great misfortune, and history teaches us: in 1940 Italy took part in World War II; in 1943 the Nazis occupied the city, in 1980 the Irpinia earthquake… to name a few. And no, if you are wondering, in 2020 the blood did not melt!

Perfume tips: spray whenever you feel the need. Wait (and hope).