FREE LOVE IN A FREE STATE
Thursday, February 2, 2020, 6:00 PM
Avellino, Bourbon Prison
debate with
Hon. Titti De Simone
Marcello Colasurdo
Hon. Pietro Folena
moderates
Saverio Aversa (journalist for Liberazione)
to follow
reading by Claudia Iandolo
TAMMSESSION
ORGANIZATION
European Left, Arci, Young Communists, Zia Lidia Social Club, Arcilesbica, 1st May Committee of S.Potito, I Ken onlus – Naples, ' Ruofolo di S.Angelo a Scala, Communist Refoundation
CANDLEMAS DAY Free love in a free state
Every year on February 2nd, on the occasion of Candlemas, all the "femminielli" from Naples gather in the churchyard of Montevergine to sing songs of thanksgiving to the Madonna Schiavona to the rhythm of the "Tammurriata." According to a centuries-old legend, the "femminielli" festival predates the construction of the Sanctuary itself, dating back to 1256, when two homosexuals were expelled from the city walls for acts considered obscene and taken to Mount Partenio to die on a winter's day. Instead, the miracle occurred, and in addition to the sun piercing the darkness, the two were also able to mate according to the laws of nature. For years, the "femminielli" have gathered on February 2nd to thank the Madonna for the miracle, in a tammurriata of religious syncretism between the sacred and the profane, embraced by the entire community who wholeheartedly participate.
In February 2002, the abbot of the Sanctuary of Montevergine took a serious step in expelling the "femminelli" from the churchyard, accusing them of "desecrating a sacred place," that "their prayers were not welcome," and shouting "shame, shame." Even then, Irpinia rebelled. Now we hope the abbot does not repeat the mistakes of the past. We will be there to say that the "femminielli" cannot be chased from Montevergine and to say that freedoms and liberties cannot be erased.
Candlemas Day is a day that speaks to the rights to dignity, sexuality, and love for everyone. And in the face of the theo-cons offensive, given the interference of the highest Vatican hierarchies against civil rights and secularism, we believe that a push must come from Avellino and Montevergine, following the exceptional national demonstrations of January 14th and in anticipation of the march scheduled in Naples for February 11th. A day of civil rights, to say no to the repeal of the abortion law and to say yes to the RU-486 pill and civil unions.
