THE "FESTIVAL OF THE MUGS" IN VIETRI SUL MARE: ART IN SUPPORT OF SOLIDARITY

The “Festa dei Boccali”, that is the Festival of the Mugs, returns on the second Sunday of October in the magnificent setting of the Villa Guariglia Ceramic Museum in Vietri sul Mare. Don’t miss this event!

by Roberta Cascone

The Festival of the Mugs is now in its 18th year! But what is it all about and why is it such a beloved event?
The Festival is the result of an initiative of the Humus voluntary association, which has been working for more than 20 years in the Salerno area to help people with disabilities, the elderly, children, immigrants and all those outside the labor market. The association's goal is to use the art of ceramics as a tool for aggregation, solidarity and cultural growth. During the initiative, in fact, ceramic mugs made by artists, volunteers and people with disabilities are displayed to the public. Over the years, the event has taken place in many different settings, but this year it will be hosted in the very crux of Vietri's ceramic art, namely the wonderful Villa Guariglia in the hamlet of Raito, which is precisely the home of the Museum of Ceramics.

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The view from Raito (Vietri sul Mare)

Villa Guariglia: from noble palace to museum

Villa Guariglia in Raito (Vietri sul Mare) was founded as the aristocratic residence of Raffaele Guariglia, ambassador of Italy, who on his death donated it to the provincial administration of Salerno to make it a Study Center. Today it is home to the Vietrese Ceramics Museum and offers an exhibition itinerary with the most representative pieces of the area's production. Here it is possible to admire religious objects from the 17th century, such as votive plaques and holy water stoups, as well as works dating back to the very prosperous "German" period and those made by Vietri artists who carried on this art for generations. The museum is constantly being expanded: a section dedicated to "riggiole," or ceramic tiles, was opened and each year many donations enlarge the collection. In addition, the villa is a pearl of the Coast: surrounded by a terraced park, which is home to typical Mediterranean vegetation, it is in an enviable position, with the sea in front and the villages of the Lattari Mountains behind.

The poster of the 2023 edition

The program of the 2023 edition

The 18th edition of the Festival of the Mugs is titled "Eros’s Mug," in homage to the god of love, since the theme is "Sexuality and Love between the Amalfi and Cilento Coasts." The event will also host a talk by Domenico Trotta, who will recount love myths set precisely in the area of the Amalfi Coast and Cilento, such as that of Palinuro and Camerota.
This year artists of various nationalities are expected and the purpose of the day will be the exchange of ideas, techniques and artistic experiences in the name of solidarity. The exceptional location of Villa Guariglia will give added value to the wonderful creations of the artists, Humus volunteers, guests of the Salerno Prison and all those Vietrese art workshops where ceramic artworks are the undisputed protagonists.
The date is set for Sunday, Oct. 8, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. It will surely be an opportunity for cultural and human enrichment, and a way to do good while getting to know up close the creators of the art that has made Vietri world famous.

What are you waiting for? Come to Villa Guariglia and get involved!

The program of the 2023 event

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To learn more about the Humus odv association, visit their website at this address.
Villa Guariglia is open to the public free of charge every day except Mondays, with the following schedule: weekdays from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm, Sundays from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm.