Capri - Procession of San Costanzo

The tribute in honor of San Costanzo, the Patron Saint of the whole island of Capri, is celebrated every May 14th. Legend has it that San Costanzo arrived in Capri during a return journey to Constantinople, on a barrel boat. Forced by the stormy sea conditions to seek shelter on the island, he died there shortly afterwards. His body is said to have protected the island from attacks by the Saracens from that day onwards.
The statue of the Saint can be found in the ex Cathedral of St Stefano, in the corridor leading to the sacristy. Decorated with precious stones originating from Villa Jovis, it contains a relic of the Saint. The day before the ceremony, the simulacrum is displayed in the Church and, on May 14th is transported by means of a long procession in to the Church of Marina Grande, where it remains for a week, prior to being returned to Capri.
During the procession, as the Saint passes them, the faithful throw rose petals and broom flowers from the balconies, the flower of the broom shrub being the flower of St Costanzo.