M’Illumino d’Inverno: A Holiday Extravaganza in Sorrento!
Alright, folks! Buckle up, because if you thought Christmas was all about sitting at home with a glass of eggnog and pretending to enjoy Aunt Gertrude’s fruitcake, you’re in for a surprise! Sorrento is about to turn up the festive volume with M’Illumino d’Inverno! Kicking off on November 23 and going all the way to January 19, 2025, this event is packed tighter than Santa’s toy sack!
More than a hundred events? Yes, you heard that right! We’re talking theater, music, food, wine, folklore—quite literally everything-but-the-kitchen-sink in this diverse calendar! The Mayor of Sorrento, Massimo Coppola, even emphasized the social and cultural aspects. That’s code for: ‘We’re putting on a show for the locals and tourists alike, and if you don’t join us, you’re seriously missing out!’
First up, mark your calendars to witness the lighting of the enormous Christmas tree in Tasso Square on, you guessed it, November 23 at 6 p.m.! Nothing screams festive like a massive tree adorned with twinkling lights—it’s practically Instagram gold!
Now, if you’re into making some Christmas magic happen (or just love a good deal), get ready for “Black Friday” and “Shopping under the tree” from November 29 to December 1. We’re talking deals so good, you’ll need an extra suitcase to carry it all home! And amid all that shopping, you can enjoy shows that’ll make you feel like you’ve stepped into a holiday movie—perhaps one directed by your favorite feel-good director, but with fewer plot twists!
For little ones, the Christmas Village opens on November 30 at Villa Fiorentino! It’s like Narnia in the winter, but with more Santa and fewer talking animals. Kids can meet Santa Claus, engage with workshop elves, and witness puppet shows that’ll make them giggle and possibly scare a small child—classic!
Don’t let the kids have all the fun, though! There’s a lot for adults too—like the jam-packed Sorrento Jazz series kicking off on December 16. With legends like the Caponi Brother Quintet, you won’t just be tapping your feet, but you might accidentally spill the wine you’re holding in admiration!
But wait, there’s more! For you film buffs and aspiring directors, from December 2 to 5, the 47th edition of the Professional Film Conference is set to draw a crowd that’ll make even the celebs take notice. With free screenings and exhibitions, it’s a hub for all things film—with less drama than a typical Hollywood set, I hope!
And let’s not forget the food. December 4 to 8 features Chocoland, because who doesn’t want to eat their body weight in artisanal chocolate? And if you’re worried about the calories, just remember—fairy dust and holiday magic have zero calories. Right?
The festivities are rounded off with the Epiphany celebrations—featuring a befana parade that would be an impressive sight even if we weren’t slightly worried about her flying around on a broomstick.
All in all, this isn’t just another holiday event—it’s a celebration of life, culture, and community that screams “Sorrento knows how to party!” So grab your friends, family, and that one relative who’s just a tad too into Christmas decorations, and get ready to celebrate.
More than one hundred vibrant events will fill Sorrento’s calendar, starting from November 23 and running through January 19, 2025, offering diverse entertainment options such as theater, music, culinary delights, and folklore traditions. The M’Illumino d’Inverno festival, deeply rooted in community spirit, is organized by the Municipality of Sorrento in collaboration with the Campania Region and the Sorrento Foundation. This rich program, catering to citizens and visitors alike, features activities set in the heart of Sorrento and its enchanting villages, promising a festive atmosphere for all ages.
This morning, at the historic Tasso Theater, Mayor Massimo Coppola, along with Councilor for Culture Rossella Di Leva, Correale Museum President Gaetano Mauro, and Sorrento Foundation Executive Director Mario Gargiulo, unveiled the extensive program during a press conference. The event gathered artistic directors and organizers from various series alongside many notable cultural representatives from the region. Mayor Coppola emphasized, “A program that privileges the social and cultural aspect,” pointing out its significance in enhancing the community’s festive experience and attracting guests to Sorrento during this holiday season.
To kick off the festive program, the highly anticipated lighting of the magnificent Christmas tree in Tasso Square is scheduled for November 23 at 6 p.m. Following this, from November 29 to December 1, shoppers can enjoy “Black Friday” and “Shopping under the Tree,” with enticing promotions and lively entertainment in downtown stores, in partnership with Confcommercio.
In a special treat for children, the beloved Christmas Village will make its debut at Villa Fiorentino on November 30, running daily until December 26. From 4 to 8 p.m., families can meet Santa Claus and enjoy appearances by beloved characters, the latter of whom will also visit local schools and participate in the Little Elves Workshop from December 23 to January 6, aiming to engage young attendees during this festive period.
The program also highlights the enchanting Mercurio Brothers puppet shows, which will take place in Tasso Square at various times throughout the season, showcasing delightful performances for all. Additionally, innovative projects geared towards children include the Comet Star Christmas workshop at the Gugliucci school and Santa Claus’s sleigh rides through Sorrento’s picturesque villages, ensuring endless entertainment for young hearts.
Other family-friendly highlights include the Cartoon Circus performance at Tasso Theater on December 8, the Zecchino d’Oro event on December 11, and a series of school collaborations featuring Santa Claus on December 17 and 18, culminating in the magical Epiphany celebrations from January 4 to 6 at Villa Fiorentino with the Befana in Priora on January 5.
A special series named “A Christmas Together” is planned to uplift and engage individuals with disabilities, featuring creative workshops in the San Francisco room of the Sorrento Cathedral, set to commence on November 25 and continue through various dates in December and January.
The festive program includes the impressive exhibition dedicated to the art of the nativity scene at Villa Fiorentino starting on November 30. Meanwhile, the Addolorata church will host the fourth edition of IncantiAmoci, commencing that evening at 8:30 p.m., featuring “Tales of the Mystery” by Salvatore di Giacomo. This traditional event continues through January, blending art with captivating storytelling.
In addition, Sorrento will host “Christmas for the neighborhoods and marinas,” a captivating series of theater and music designed to celebrate local culture, beginning on December 1 at the church of Santa Lucía with a performance titled “Nana a María.” The Sorrento Jazz series, now in its 25th year, begins on December 16 with top-tier musicians at Tasso Theater.
The “Caruso – De Curtis Sorrento International Festival & Singing Competition” will honor two legendary figures of music and celebrates significant anniversaries from their lives. Scheduled for December 13 to 15, this event promises an exciting mix of singing competitions and multimedia exhibitions.
The Professional Film Conference, drawing over two thousand accredited attendees, will occur from December 2 to 5, offering screenings and events that connect filmmakers and audiences alike. Following closely is the “Sorrento Film & Food Festival,” which promises a week of cinema and gastronomic delights from January 1st to 6th.
Symbolizing the profound spirit of Christmas, ‘O Presepio, the living nativity scene presented in the gardens adjacent to the Cathedral, showcases the dedication of numerous volunteers and will be open to the public on select dates from December to the new year.
Culinary events will abound, with the seventh edition of Chocoland taking place from December 4 to 8, featuring artisanal chocolate vendors, and the Street Food Sorrento Village delights in Piazza Lauro from December 6 to 8, highlighting local gourmet specialties.
For even more festive charm, traditional folklore events such as the Ceppone of Santa Lucía and concerts in picturesque churches will fill the calendar, alongside cultural engagements such as book presentations and art exhibitions, all of which are detailed on the official Municipality of Sorrento website.
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**Interview with Mayor Massimo Coppola: Celebrating M’Illumino d’Inverno in Sorrento**
**Editor:** Good morning, Mayor Coppola! Thank you for joining us today to discuss the exciting M’Illumino d’Inverno festival. Could you tell us what inspired this initiative and what makes it special for the Sorrento community?
**Mayor Coppola:** Good morning! It’s a pleasure to be here. M’Illumino d’Inverno is not just a festival; it’s a heartfelt celebration of our community’s spirit and culture. The inspiration came from the desire to create a festive environment that brings people together—both locals and visitors—during this magical time of year. With over a hundred events planned, we’re showcasing the vibrant arts, music, and culinary delights that Sorrento has to offer.
**Editor:** Sounds incredible! The festival kicks off on November 23 with the lighting of the Christmas tree in Tasso Square. What can attendees expect from this opening event?
**Mayor Coppola:** The lighting ceremony is truly a spectacle! We’ll have music, entertainment, and, of course, the unveiling of our magnificent Christmas tree. It’s a moment of joy and togetherness. We encourage everyone to come out, take photos, and immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere—it’s a sight you won’t want to miss!
**Editor:** There seems to be a fantastic mix of activities throughout the festival, from shopping events to puppet shows. How do you see these activities benefiting families and children in the area?
**Mayor Coppola:** Our goal is to create memories for families. The Christmas Village at Villa Fiorentino, which opens on November 30, is particularly special. Kids can meet Santa, enjoy workshops with elves, and watch puppet shows that spark joy and wonder. We believe these experiences help strengthen family bonds and enrich our community’s cultural fabric.
**Editor:** The Sorrento Jazz series starting on December 16 also looks like a highlight. Can you tell us more about it?
**Mayor Coppola:** Absolutely! The Sorrento Jazz series is a way to celebrate music and arts, featuring talented artists like the Caponi Brother Quintet. It’s an opportunity for jazz lovers and newcomers alike to enjoy live performances in a festive environment. Music is a universal language that unites us all, and we’re excited to bring this aspect into our holiday celebrations.
**Editor:** Lastly, as someone deeply involved in organizing and promoting this event, what’s your personal favorite part of M’Illumino d’Inverno?
**Mayor Coppola:** That’s a tough choice! Personally, I cherish the sense of togetherness that envelops Sorrento during the festival. Watching families enjoying the festivities, friends gathering, and communities coming alive with joy—there’s nothing quite like it. It reminds us of what makes this season special: connection, joy, and celebration.
**Editor:** Thank you, Mayor Coppola, for sharing your insights on M’Illumino d’Inverno! It sounds like a truly enchanting event for everyone in Sorrento.
**Mayor Coppola:** Thank you! We hope to see many people join us for this festive celebration. Happy holidays to all!
