But there’s another Neapolitan tradition that fascinates locals and visitors alike: the cornicello, an iconic symbol of prosperity, love and fortune that has become a popular present among lovers on Valentine's Day.
“The authentic cornicello has to be handmade in Naples,” says Delia D’Alessandro, 30, founder of Cosmos, a tiny workshop producing the lucky charms in the heart of San Gregorio Armeno – Naples’ narrow lane known for its “pastori,” or nativity-scene figurines.
“This is the original horn that has inspired the ones in the bottegas around the city,” he said, gesturing toward a giant red-horn sculpture that dominates his atelier at Scuderie Sansevero, a majestic palace in Naples' historic center.
Deeply entrenched in Naples’ cultural roots, the red horn becomes a powerful symbol in the creations of Neapolitan sculptor and painter Lello Esposito.
Esposito, 67, started his long international career from the popular streets of Naples as a young artist, selling his handmade puppets of Pulcinella, the famous character of Neapolitan commedia dell’arte.
