1527: When Naples Made Its Vow to San Gennaro

• About the event

A unique journey through time is set to transform the streets of Naples’ UNESCO-listed historic centre into a spectacular open-air stage. The I Sedili di Napoli ETS Association presents the 9th edition of the major historical re-enactment 1527: When Naples Made Its Vow to San Gennaro, taking place on Saturday 12 September 2026 from 4:00 pm, starting at Porta Capuana.
Supported by international and local institutions and by an extensive network of local partners and professionals brought together by the Luci su Porta Capuana Committee, the event will bring the colours, music, heraldry and splendour of the sixteenth century back to the heart of Naples, culminating in an equestrian spectacle of a kind not seen in the city centre for centuries.

• The historical event: the city’s pact with its patron saint

The event brings to life one of the most dramatic and solemn chapters in Neapolitan history. In 1527, with Naples exhausted by a prolonged French military siege, plague and violent volcanic activity from Mount Vesuvius, the people and the Elected Representatives of the city’s six historic Sedili joined forces.
Before a notary, they entered into a solemn pact with San Gennaro, pledging to build the new monumental Chapel of the Treasure of San Gennaro in return for the city’s salvation.

• The programme: the grand historical procession and the stop at Naples Cathedral

The celebrations will begin with a magnificent historical procession featuring more than 150 costumed participants in elaborate Renaissance attire, faithfully recreated from archival sources.
Accompanied by the roll of drums and spectacular displays by flag throwers, representatives of the historic Sedili will make their way through the ancient Decumani, along Via dei Tribunali and some of the main streets of Naples’ historic centre.
The procession will make a ceremonial stop at Naples Cathedral, where the reading of the historic Vow Contract will be re-enacted.

• The grand finale: the equestrian tournament at Porta Capuana – a tribute to Charles V

The day will culminate in the magnificent monumental setting of Porta Capuana. The historic gateway to the city will be transformed for the occasion into a Renaissance arena, with a temporary protective sand surface, while sixteenth-century melodies will evoke those that welcomed Emperor Charles V on his triumphal entry into Naples in 1535.
Here, the Grand Renaissance Equestrian Tournament will come to life: a spectacular contest between professional armoured horsemen, recreating the historic tournament held on this very site in 1536 in honour of the triumphal entry into Naples of Emperor Charles V of Habsburg.
The horsemen will compete in displays of skill and engage in combat on foot, offering residents and visitors an extraordinarily evocative spectacle with all the drama of a scene from a film.

“This re-enactment is not simply a parade in historical costume, but a way of restoring a vital part of our city’s identity,” explains Giuseppe Serroni, President of the I Sedili di Napoli ETS Association. “We want Neapolitans to rediscover the importance of their history of self-government, while giving the hundreds of thousands of visitors in the city the opportunity to enjoy a profound, powerful and unforgettable cultural experience. Seeing horses at Porta Capuana once again, with full respect for safety and the protection of its monuments, will be an immensely moving experience for everyone.”

Download the programme

The programme is subject to change. For updates, please visit the event’s official website.

• How to take part

Admission to all event areas, the procession route and the Porta Capuana arena is completely free of charge.

• Contacts

Official website: www.isedilidinapoli.eu