A well-known book by Raffaele La Capria was titled “Capri and No Longer Capri.” Looking back in time and observing the historical and social evolution, the quality and quantity of the tourist flow in the Salotto del Mondo (Living Room of the World), many free-thinkers, residents, and tourists would say “no longer Capri.” For many reasons. This is not the perspective of nostalgic people or those wishing to indulge in rhetoric.
Rather, it seems to be a fact, evident when listening to the brief comments of many locals or regular visitors who have seen the Salotto del Mondo both yesterday (not too long ago) and today. The myth of extraordinary natural uniqueness, enriched by the presence of celebrities from the world of entertainment, fashion, and national and international entrepreneurship, is giving way to a Salotto del Mondo that is more “grab and go,” or better yet, “use and discard.”
We do not seek to find the causes or make any critical or scandalous commentary, nor worse, any political commentary. We simply present a reflection based on listening, living, and observing the Salotto del Mondo.
It is likely that the increase in tourist flow and overcrowding has caused a crisis on much of the island, stripping it of those aspects of livability and tranquility, especially during certain hours of the day or specific periods of the tourist season.
Even the very corners of nature, once pristine, no longer know the peace that once defined them. The sea, for instance, has become prey to fleets of boats of all sizes and origins, while the island’s coastline now resembles sidewalks with double-parked cars. There isn’t a single stretch of sea, from July to August, that isn’t traversed by boats and yachts. The colors of the sea often change, marred by the ugliness of inevitable localized pollution, even if it’s just “passing through” (fortunately).
On land, the situation is no different. Endless lines of people wait to use any service, from public transport to commercial establishments.
Streets that once suited calm and limited traffic have become arteries on the verge of collapse. It was once rare to hear about traffic accidents, but today they are no longer the exception.
Chaos generates more chaos, and thus the issues of public order, safety, cleanliness, hygiene, and overall control multiply. It’s a spiral, like a dog biting its own tail.
The people, too, are changing. The “gentlefolk” make way for exhibitionists eager to walk the runway under the curious gaze of onlookers. Today, many prefer to sample only the wild and glamorous side of Capri, discarding everything else, its culture, its history, its nature, in a word, its true wealth.
“Here, under the sky of Capri,” many say, they don’t feel as comfortable as they once did.
“See Capri and then die”, perhaps because many today no longer wish to return.
It is an island that risks leaving no fond memories for those who see it for the first time or for those who return after many years. Let’s not allow Capri to become forever “no longer Capri.”
