Festa di San Giovanni Battista

The patronal festival of Camerano

The Festa di San Giovanni Battista is the most cherished event of the year for Camerano, a village in the Riviera del Conero 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 attested as early as the 18th century.

The Contesa del Sacro Vassoio

The most anticipated moment is the Contesa del Sacro Vassoio, which gives identity to the entire festival. The name recalls the Gospel episode related 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 festival 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 festival 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 festival 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 performances. There are also food stalls offering local flavors, performances by the Camerano town band, events for younger people, and evening concerts. The festival is organized by the Parrocchia Immacolata Concezione e San Germano (Parish of the Immaculate Conception and Saint Germanus) under the patronage of the Municipality of Camerano and in collaboration with the Pro Loco and local associations.

Camerano and the Riviera del Conero

Visiting the festival 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 symbolic wine of the region. Overlooking the Conero Park and just a few kilometers from the Adriatic beaches, the village offers visitors a charming setting in which to experience one of the most characteristic patronal festivals in the province of Ancona.