Festa di Sant' Antonio Abate

The festivities honoring S. Antonio started early today, with a procession including all the civil authorities and religious authorities in Sorrento, it was quite long and included lots of bell ringing, bands playing, banners, crucifixes, incense, and cannons firing. It seemed like all the town tried to fit into the local cathedral. Even for a heathen like me, it was a moving event.
Afterwards, we trotted up the steep hill sides above Sorrento with the sound of cannons and bells from all the churches around Sorrento. We walked through Sant Agata Sui Due Golfi, perched on the ridge with views of both the Golfo d' Salerno and Golfo d' Napoli. Then we had a very private and scenic picnic at the old convent at il Deserto.
The day ended with dinner in the Piazza d' S'Antonio, at the end of the evening mass.