Montepertuso is a small village just above Positano in the Monti Lattari. Its name comes from this unusual hole in the rock. Every year on July 2nd, they celebrate with a feast paying homage to the Virgin Mary. On this day the towns people take the Virgin Mary out of their only Church, The Church of Madonna delle Grazie and carry her through the town. It is an honor to lead the procession and the rest of the village follow behind singing her praise! Afterwards, there is a huge party with food, games, cannon fire and fireworks! The procession starts late afternoon and the celebration continues after midnight! For it is strongly believed that it was the Virgin Mary who chased Satan from the Mountains in which they live!
One day The Virgin Mary was climbing the mountain to get water from the other side. Satan appeared and told her he could lead the way for her if she believed in him. She refused and told him her God was more powerful and almighty. With that Our God created a huge perfectly round hole in the mountains for Mary to use! If you climb to the Mountain top you can see a shape of a snake that is engraved in the rocks for it was the very hand of the Virgin Mary that threw Satan against the rock, as her final action to free the village from his grip!
After the procession and before the fireworks, enjoy a delicious romantic dinner at two of my favorite restaurants in Montepertuso, Il Ritrovo and La Tagliata. Chef Salvatore of Il Ritrovo makes a homemade ravioli, tomato and basil dish that is unforgettable! His complimentary Proseco along with his lemon tiramisu is a perfect end! La Tagliata uses organically grown vegetables grown on their land and free range meat reared from the surrounding area! Chef Vincenzo serves traditional dishes family style. My favorite was the meat platter consisting of beef, lamb, rabbit, pork and venison! Both restaurants have patios to dine and offer breathtaking panoramic views of Positano below!! Day or night the view is one you will treasure forever!
Montepertuso is a magical hamlet situated high above romantic Positano. If you are visiting in July do try and plan accordingly to view the Virgin Mary Processional, it was a memory I will forever hold dear to my heart and it truly epitomized the passion of la dolce vita!!!
