The Church of Sant'Anna
Located in the heart of the Marina Grande, the Church of Sant'Anna is one of the most cherished in Sorrento. Although now it is celebrated for Saint Anne, the mother of the Virgin Mary, it was once dedicated to the souls in purgatory so that they would safely make it to heaven. The admiration that the locals have for their faith and traditions that have been passed down for generations is very strong. Throughout the Marina, there are multiple altars, statues, and dedications to Sant'Anna.
Pictured above: A site to give offerings stating "I am the immaculate conception"
Altars in the Marina Grande
Marina Grande is the site of the old port in Sorrento and has long been a fishing spot, whose traditions continue today; in fact, the locals call the Marina the fishing village. This 17th-century church was paid for by local fishermen and built on the site of an earlier church. The baroque-style church sits on its own square in the marina, where there are often young children playing and others sitting reading books or people-watching.
On July 26 every year, the feast day of the Saints Anne and Joachim is celebrated. Saints Anne and Joachim are the grandparents of Jesus. This event is celebrated at the Marina, where there is a tradition to sell handmade handkerchiefs with a blessing for pregnant women. The following Sunday there is a procession, including the statue of Sant'Anna being carried around Sorrento. One of the main spectacles of the festival is the beautiful fireworks display that occurs at 11:30 pm. Everyone from the town comes to the Marina for the celebration!
List of Events
Wednesday, July 20 - 9:00 pm prayer for the sick
Friday, July 22 - After mass, delivery of the handkerchiefs
Monday, July 25 - Bishop Francesco Alfano will celebrate
Tuesday, July 26 - Feast of Saints Joachim and Anna (celebrations every hour from 5 pm to midnight)
Sunday, July 31 - 9 am - 11 am - 7 pm celebration of the eucharist, 8 pm procession in the streets with Saint Anna
How to get there
To reach the church, you must walk down a series of steps down into the Marina, passing the old gateway to the ocean built by the Greeks. There are also many beautiful restaurants along that have been there for years, such as Trattoria Da Emilia. Walking along the shore of the Medditerrain, you will also pass various images of Sophia Loren and will eventually meet the exterior of the church. It is difficult to miss!
Works Cited:
https://www.santannainstitute.com/festival-of-marina-grande/
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