Feast of Saint Apollinaris – Patron of Ravenna
The city celebrates its patron saint amidst faith, mosaics, and fireworks by the sea
About Feast of Saint Apollinaris
A festival that is the soul of Ravenna
The Feast of Saint Apollinaris is the most cherished event in the civil and religious calendar of the Municipality of Ravenna. It is celebrated every year around July 23rd, the day dedicated to the city's patron saint, and involves the entire province (RA), in Emilia-Romagna. Apollinaris, according to tradition the first bishop of Ravenna and a martyr, is a figure who links the city to its early Christian and Byzantine origins: it is no coincidence that one of the most famous basilicas in the world, Sant'Apollinare in Classe, a UNESCO World Heritage site, bears his name and is a pilgrimage destination.
Three days between the sacred and the popular
The festival generally spans three days, from July 21st to 23rd, alternating moments of deep devotion with events open to everyone:
- Religious celebrations, curated by the Archdiocese of Ravenna-Cervia: the evening pilgrimage, vespers, and solemn liturgies presided over by the Archbishop in the Cathedral and in the Basilica of Sant'Apollinare in Classe.
- Culture open to all: extraordinary and often free openings of Ravenna's main cultural sites, from the National Museum to the Arian Baptistery, from the Mausoleum of Theodoric to the Basilica of Classe itself, with guided tours of the mosaics.
- Concerts: evening musical performances in the basilicas and squares of the historic center, from sacred music to the city band.
Fireworks over the sea
The most anticipated and spectacular moment is undoubtedly the fireworks display which, on the central evening of the festival, simultaneously illuminates several points along the Ravenna coast. The fireworks are launched from multiple locations along the coast — the Molo Dalmazia area in Marina di Ravenna, the Cristoforo Colombo seafront in Punta Marina, and the coast of Lido di Classe, near the mouth of the Savio river — offering thousands of people a spectacle reflected on the Adriatic Sea. The initiative is managed by the Cooperativa Spiagge Ravenna together with the Municipality.
Why it's worth being there
Participating in the Feast of Saint Apollinaris means experiencing Ravenna at one of its most authentic moments: by day, rediscovering the city's mosaics and Byzantine history, and by night, the magic of fireworks on the beaches. It is the perfect opportunity to combine a high-level cultural visit with the summer and festive atmosphere of the Romagna Riviera.
Feast of Saint Apollinaris — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Feast of Saint Apollinaris confirms the most anticipated event of the Ravenna summer. The highlight is the fireworks display on Wednesday, July 22nd, launched from multiple locations along the coast: the Molo Dalmazia area in Marina di Ravenna, the Cristoforo Colombo seafront in Punta Marina, and the coast of Lido di Classe, near the mouth of the Savio. Alongside the fireworks, the city experiences solemn religious celebrations organized by the Archdiocese and the opening of its cultural sites. The detailed cultural and religious program will be defined in the weeks preceding the festival.
Programme Feast of Saint Apollinaris 2026
Tuesday, July 21 — Vigil
- Pilgrimage of Saint Apollinaris (in the evening), led by the Archdiocese of Ravenna-Cervia.
Wednesday, July 22 — Main Day
- Solemn liturgical celebrations presided over by the Archbishop, between the Cathedral and the Basilica of Sant'Apollinare in Classe (vespers and Holy Mass).
- In the evening, fireworks display along the entire coast: Molo Dalmazia (Marina di Ravenna), Cristoforo Colombo seafront (Punta Marina), and the coast of Lido di Classe near the mouth of the Savio. Organized by Cooperativa Spiagge Ravenna and the Municipality.
Thursday, July 23 — Patron Saint's Day
- Solemn liturgical celebration for the saint's dies natalis, presided over by the Archbishop.
- Extraordinary openings of the main cultural sites (National Museum of Ravenna, Arian Baptistery, Mausoleum of Theodoric, Basilica of Sant'Apollinare in Classe) and guided tours of the mosaics.
- Evening concerts in the basilicas and squares of the city center.
The detailed program with times and venues will be published by the Municipality and the Archdiocese in the weeks preceding the festival.
Highlights Feast of Saint Apollinaris 2026
Prices Feast of Saint Apollinaris 2026
Practical information — Feast of Saint Apollinaris
How to get there
Ravenna is well-connected by train (central station on the lines for Bologna, Ferrara, and Rimini) and by car via the Adriatic state road (SS16) and the A14dir junction. The seaside resorts (Marina di Ravenna, Punta Marina, Lido di Classe) are reachable by bus or car from the city center.
Fireworks
To watch the fireworks display, it is advisable to reach the free beaches of the indicated resorts well in advance. During the fireworks, access to certain areas (e.g., the Zaccagnini breakwater) is prohibited: always follow the instructions of the authorities.
Admissions and costs
Religious celebrations, the fireworks display, and numerous museum openings are free of charge. For updated times and guided tours, consult the websites of the Municipality of Ravenna and the Archdiocese.
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Where does it take place — Feast of Saint Apollinaris
Centro storico, basiliche e litorale ravennate