The elusive Madonna of Piedigrotta only comes out of her church and parades through town once every 50 years. However, as one of Naples' most cherished religious figures, she is celebrated annually with special masses, artistic performance, songs and music. The last time that the Madonna was out was in 1967, an unusual occasion that broke the normal cycle of her appearances and marked the restoration of the statue. Otherwise, she's only taken out of the church once every 50 years without much ado, but the real event is her symbolic return. The return procession takes the form of a boat parade along the seafront to nearby Mergellina, from where she carries out the rest of her voyage back to the Church by land. The parade takes place in a joyous atmosphere, as the Neapolitans celebrate the day of their protectress with their usual religious flair.
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