Festa di San Giovanni Battista
The patron saint of Fezzano between procession, sea, and music
About Festa di San Giovanni
St. John, patron saint of Fezzano
In Fezzano, a hamlet of the municipality of Portovenere in the province of La Spezia, the Festa di San Giovanni Battista (Feast of St. John the Baptist) celebrates the patron saint on June 24th. The event combines religious devotion with the festive spirit of the seaside village overlooking the Gulf of La Spezia.
The procession and the festival
The religious heart of the festival is the procession of St. John, which departs from the Parish Church on the evening of June 24th, followed by food stalls managed by the Borgata of Fezzano. The celebration continues over the weekend with dinner by the sea, stalls offering 'sgabei' (fried bread), stuffed mussels, and oysters, and musical evenings with live concerts and DJ sets.
Between tradition and the sea
Characteristic of the festival are the Gare Pre Palio (Pre Palio Races), a prelude to the rowing competitions of maritime tradition, and the convivial atmosphere of the seafront. An opportunity to discover Fezzano, an authentic village in the Poets' Gulf, far from the crowds of more famous destinations.
Festa di San Giovanni — edition 2026
For 2026, the Festa di San Giovanni Battista is expected in Fezzano at the end of June, with the patron saint's procession on June 24th and the usual weekend of festivities. The typical program includes dinner by the sea, stalls with 'sgabei', mussels, and oysters, live concerts, DJ sets, and the Pre Palio Races. Precise dates and the detailed program will be announced on eventiportovenere.com.
Programme Festa di San Giovanni 2026
June 24th
- Evening — Procession of St. John from the Parish Church, followed by food stalls from the Borgata
Weekend of festivities
- Dinner by the sea and seafood stalls (sgabei, mussels, oysters)
- Live concerts and DJ sets
- Pre Palio Races and entertainment
Highlights Festa di San Giovanni 2026
Prices Festa di San Giovanni 2026
Practical information — Festa di San Giovanni
How to get there
By car: from La Spezia, follow SP530 towards Portovenere, then turn off for Fezzano. By boat: connections in the Gulf of La Spezia.
Admission
Free admission to the celebrations; food and drinks at the stalls. Stalls open from late afternoon.
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Where does it take place — Festa di San Giovanni
Fezzano, frazione di Portovenere
Fezzano, 19025 Portovenere