Feast of Saint Fortunatus

The patron saint of Camogli

The Feast of Saint Fortunatus celebrates the patron saint of Camogli, a seaside village in the Golfo Paradiso in the province of Genoa. It is held in May, concurrently with the Fish Festival, and represents the religious and identity core of that festive weekend. Saint Fortunatus is venerated as the protector of fishermen and sailors, central figures in the history of Camogli, an ancient town of sailors and captains.

The procession and the Crucifixes of the Confraternities

The solemn moment is the evening procession with the Ark of Saint Fortunatus, accompanied by the Crucifixes of the Confraternities — the large processional crucifixes of Ligurian tradition — which traverse the village streets in a evocative and participatory pageant.

Bonfires and fireworks over the sea

The festival then explodes into spectacle: the historic districts of Camogli — Porto, Pinetto, and Risseu — light the traditional bonfires on the beach, while fireworks illuminate the gulf. It is a night of lights and fire that unites the entire community and offers visitors one of the most scenic displays on the Riviera di Levante.

A tradition that ignites the village

The friendly rivalry between the districts in setting up the bonfires, the devotion of the procession, and the magic of the fireworks over the sea make the Feast of Saint Fortunatus a deeply felt event. Experiencing Camogli during these days means witnessing the most authentic soul of the village, where maritime traditions are still alive and shared.