First communion in Naples – a photo essay

Not just a religious sacrament, a child's first communion is experienced as an important rite of passage to be properly celebrated, and a community event with many levels of interpretation and meaning. Photographer Diana Bagnoli followed the lavish first communions produced by Ivana and Miriam Pipolo in Naples

Nine-year-old Maria wakes up and can't wait for her party day to get started, after the first communion sacrament she received the day before. When the photographers and the videomakers arrive at her home, she slips into her bedroom and puts on some makeup to welcome the guests. She is ready for the day she will never forget.