There is everything in "Maretica", the cultural event that takes place in Procida from 13 to 15 September. Three days of meetings, events and sports on the "Island of Arturo", from the title of the novel by Elsa Morante. They organized the event to "rethink man starting from the sea". In times of migrants and hatred towards those who challenge the waves to be reborn, the theme is truly touching. A weekend during which we will witness everything that has to do with the quality of life, the sea, beauty, the environment, writing. Alessandro Barrico returns to the island as President of the jury of the homonymous literary prize . It was he, moreover, together with the historian Claudio Fogu, to invent "Maretica" in 2018 in whose jury this year there are writers Daria Bignardi , Valeria Parrella, Elisabetta Montaldo and the publisher Fabio Masi.
Procida is linked to unforgettable events. At the beginning it was "Graziella", the famous novel by Alphonse de La Martine. Then archeology, cinema, poetry, cuisine, all in a dignified synthesis of islanders who love their land. The rock, as defined by some wandering natives of the world. Light-hearted editors in their chronicles often compare Procida with Capri and Ischia. Nothing could be more wrong, apart from the gulf of Naples which encloses the three islands. When Massimo Troisi shot the Postman here, Italy (even the cultured one) had to clear itself: knew little or nothing about the magnificent inhabited site as early as the 8th century BC. Then time passes and we come to do tourism. In the narrow streets of Chiaiolella, Corricela, or above, in Terra Murata there are different scents, harmonies that contaminate anyone disembarking from ferries and hydrofoils. Barrico among these. Procidans are proud of their identity, not very snobbish and very down to earth. Distrustful like all seafarers? Not at all. Just know that the tenacious team of municipal administrators, supported by associations and volunteers, puts in place initiatives of "remembrance" and hospitality The mayor Pd Dino Ambrosino then promoted "Maretica": a kind of civil promise, a distinctive piece of administrative management. The congratulations of intellectuals and sportsmen such as Sebastiano Tusa, Paolo Frascani, Andrea Montanari, Fabio Rosciglione, Brando Quilici, Agostino Abbagnale, all awarded in the 1st edition.
The Award this year went to the first work “Island” by Siri Jacobsen, Danish writer, published in Italy by Iperborea . Rewarded "for the originality with which it dealt with the subject of the sea", even if it is that of the North. But everyone tells the sea as he wants. Readers and citizens remain its beauty the anguish for its ailments, for aggressions against nature. The award ceremony will be held on Saturday in Terra Murata. Alessandro Baricco, will deliver the Prize and immediately afterwards the concert by Ars Nova Napoli and Gianni La Magna with the artistic direction of Alessandro Butera. the MARetica prize for sporting merit will instead be delivered to Marco DiCostanzo, canoe bronze medalist at the Rio de Janeiro 2016 Olympic Games paired with John Abagnale. Solidarity island and dock, sustainable, the event includes aquatic competitions with the "Trofeo del Mare - V Repubblica Marinara", in the points where the naturalistic oasis of Vivara is reflected. Another pride of those who defend it from carelessness and lack of attention. The places of culture will also be places of culinary tradition with tasting of typical and willing dishes ready to pass plates and glasses to the guests. And the artist Nicola Scotto di Carlo, finally, that in the first edition he created the Trofeo del Mare trophy in basalt, won by Genoa, which will have to be reassigned on Sunday. Oh yes, nothing is missing.
