Naples, or ‘Napoli’ in Italian, is a city famous for its rich folklore and traditions that are known across the entire planet – such as the birth of pizza! Naples enjoys an excellent temperate climate throughout the year and is located at the foot of the Vesuvius volcano, which can be admired from the many viewpoints in the city. It is also one of the Italian cities where the New Year is most strongly felt – its arrival is always welcomed in grand style.
FIREWORKS AND ENTERTAINMENT ON NEW YEAR’S EVE IN NAPLES
One of the key attractions in Naples on December 31 is, of course, the brilliant fireworks show. The official fireworks are held in public areas, generally close to where shows and concerts are taking place (see next section for details on those concerts). The most famous fire show can be seen at 1:30 am at Castel dell’Ovo (literally ‘Egg Castle’ in English), located on a small peninsula close to the shore. This is not to be missed, the show always rising to spectacular heights.
It is important to be aware that there are also many illegal fireworks set off by individuals at midnight in Naples. The unpredictable nature of the illegal firecrackers can be potentially dangerous. For this reason, we recommend staying away from buildings and narrow lanes and alleyways and sticking to open areas where official fireworks are held, such as at Piazza Plebiscito and along the Lungomare. These areas are safe and controlled and you can enjoy NYE entertainment with many others similarly in a festive mood.
To help plan your movements on New Year’s Eve in Naples, here is a map of the panoramic points around Naples from which you can admire the fireworks (source: Napoli Fanpage):
OUTDOOR NEW YEAR’S EVE CONCERTS
The city of Naples organizes a traditional concert in Piazza Plebiscito, taking place before the strike of midnight on New Year’s Eve. After midnight, the festivities move to the waterfront where the famous fireworks display at Castel dell’Ovo is held. All along the waterfront in fact – along the street ‘via Caricciolo’ – there are several shows set up on stages to be enjoyed throughout the night. This Naples New Year’s Eve experience is a must-see as the waterfront transforms into an open-air disco over the span of at least 3 kilometers.
There are different types of music played and stages set up all around this area, including nearby places such as the dock complex Borgo Marinari, the street ‘via Partenope’, Piazza Vittoria (Victory Square), and at the beachfront open area la Rotonda Diaz.
OR DO YOU FEEL LIKE SPENDING NEW YEAR’S EVE ON THE WATER?
You could see all the action and festivities from Veliero Tortuga, a large sailing ship that sails along Naples’s coastline on New Year’s Eve. Tickets are not exactly cheap (about 200€) but include a wonderful full-course dinner and drinks and a relaxing alternative in which you can marvel at the fireworks and excitement away from the epicenter of the action. You can visit the official website here (only in Italian).
WHAT THE NEAPOLITANS USED TO DO ON NYE…
For many years until quite recently, the residents of Naples would throw their old and unwanted belongings – even household appliances – out of their windows to signal a fresh start to the new year. As this was clearly deemed to be dangerous, the tradition has slowly died out. You can watch an amusing video of this custom here:
You can still get into the spirit and throw away the old things you don’t need anymore – just not out the window!
All in all, Naples is one of the most dynamic and authentic cities in all of Italy, steeped in rich history and tradition. The city also rises to the occasion on New Year’s Eve, adding its own distinct flavor to this special night.
