Blood and Lava

Mount Vesuvius is overdue for a major eruption and increasingly the people of nearby Naples are turning to the city’s patron, Saint Gennaro for reassurance and protection.

Malcolm Billings travelled to southern Italy to watch an ancient religious ceremony that many believe will save the city from destruction.

This annual event is at the heart of Neapolitan culture and it celebrates what is known as the 'miracle', when the Saint's dried up blood turns to liquid.

They believe that as long as this liquefaction keeps happening, the Saint will continue to protect and safeguard Naples from economic woes, civil unrest and especially from the volcano that looms over the city.

If the liquefaction fails, Neapolitans believe great misfortune will descend upon them.

The procession celebrates the moving of Saint Gennaro's remains from his place of execution to Naples in the 5th century AD.

Malcolm takes a look at the history behind this religious event and its relevance in modern society.

He questions if the Saint really existed and what lies behind the blood miracle - is it a chemical conjuring trick or a paranormal event that science simply cannot explain?

After uncovering the Neapolitan fascination with blood, Malcolm pays a visit to Professor Luigi Garlaschelli.

As a chemist at the University of Pavia, he demonstrates his theory of how the blood turns to liquid but still insists that it is a self working phenomenon.

Listen to Malcolm as he joins the crowds of the procession where people hold brightly coloured banners, praying and applauding as the memorial of Saint Gennaro is carried through the medieval streets of Naples.

First broadcast Friday 26th of June 2009