Feast of Saint John the Baptist

The patronal feast of Camerano

The Feast of Saint John the Baptist is the most cherished event of the year for Camerano, a village on the Conero Riviera in the province of Ancona, in the Marche region. Dedicated to the patron saint, the event takes place at the end of August and transforms the historic center into a stage for tradition, faith, and popular celebration for several days. The 2026 edition is the 45th in the modern series, but devotion to the Baptist in Camerano has been documented for centuries, with processions and celebrations of relics recorded as early as the eighteenth century.

The Sacred Tray Contest

The most anticipated moment is the Sacred Tray Contest, which gives identity to the entire feast. The name recalls the Gospel episode linked to the martyrdom of John the Baptist: for the occasion, the town is divided into eight districts, which compete in a series of popular games and challenges to win the coveted tray. The competition culminates on the feast day with the traditional giant tray throwing contest and, in the evening, with the spectacular night-time race of the Sacred Tray, followed by the awarding of prizes to the districts and the lottery draw.

The historical costume parade

Alongside the contest, the feast features the historical costume parade, a procession that winds through the village streets, evoking Camerano's past and strengthening the community's bond with its roots. Together with the district competitions, the re-enactment makes this patronal feast an event that combines religious solemnity and local folklore.

Tradition, gastronomy, and music

The festival days are marked by religious celebrations, entertainment for all ages, and food stalls offering local flavors. There are also performances by the Camerano town band, events for younger people, and evening music. The feast is organized by the Immacolata Concezione e San Germano Parish with the patronage of the Municipality of Camerano and the collaboration of the Pro Loco and local associations.

Camerano and the Conero Riviera

Visiting the feast is also an opportunity to discover Camerano, famous for its Caves dug into the sandstone beneath the town and for the production of Rosso Conero, the region's signature wine. Overlooking the Conero Park and just a few kilometers from the Adriatic beaches, the village offers visitors a charming setting to experience one of the most characteristic patronal feasts in the province of Ancona.