Covered within the Bay of Naples is the tiny island of Procida, which has just been named Italy’s Capital of Culture for 2022.
That is the first time an island has been awarded the title, Procida follows within the footsteps of cities like Perugia, Palermo, and Parma – the current Italian Capital of Culture.
Recipient cities (or, on this occasion, islands) change into a spotlight for improved cultural heritage and touristic development, with quite a few projects and initiatives run to benefit the area.
At present there are plans for 44 cultural projects to happen in Procida, together with 330 days of programming, involving 240 artists and eight regenerated cultural spaces.
During the application process for the title, Procida introduced a vision entitled “la Cultura non Isola” – which interprets to “tradition doesn’t isolate.” This idea was a significant part of being awarded the Capital of Culture position, with particular resonance in our current times.
The vision “is able to convey a poetic message, a vision of culture that reaches out from the tiny reality of an island as a well-wish for all of us, for the nation, within the months to come,” stated the Capital of Culture Commission in a statement.
The smallest island within the Bay of Naples usually overshadowed from its neighbors Capri and Ischia, Procida may seem a stunning selection for such a serious title.
However, despite being the least-visited of the three islands, Procida is exceptionally stunning with an authentic feel. The island only has 10,000 or so populations, however, with a total area of just 4 sq. km – it feels lively, without being cramped.
One of many key reasons Procida was picked was the island’s wealth of traditional artistry, with artisan workshops aplenty (especially in Marina Grande).
Procida additionally has its own distinctive history too, with Ancient Greek artifacts from the 16th century BCE found throughout the island. Some 3,000 years later, Charles III of Spain turned Procida into his private recreation reserve, earlier than it turned into a serious outpost for the shipbuilding business.
In consequence, the island has some extraordinary structure, with the gorgeous, multi-colored buildings capturing completely different times of history. Guests at present can go diving off the coast seeking spectacular, underwater archaeological websites.
After Procida’s turn within the spotlight next yr, the baton is going to be passed over jointly to Bergamo and Brescia, both citiess where heavily impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Parma, in northern Italy, is the at present Capital of Culture – a title the city has held for 2 years. Usually, the place is for only a yr, but it was decided to extend Parma’s tenure within the wake of the coronavirus crisis.
