Festa di San Leonardo da Porto Maurizio

The patron saint of Imperia

San Leonardo da Porto Maurizio (1676-1751) is the patron saint of the city of Imperia, in Liguria. A Franciscan friar and renowned preacher, he is remembered for spreading devotion to the Way of the Cross throughout Italy. Born in the village of Parasio, in Porto Maurizio, he was proclaimed patron saint of the entire city in 1991, becoming a symbol of unity among its diverse souls.

The festival on November 26th

The festival is celebrated on November 26th, the day of the saint's death. The heart of the celebrations is the Pontifical Mass, followed by the procession that winds through the charming alleys of the historic centre of Porto Maurizio, past houses overlooking the sea and the majestic Basilica of San Maurizio.

In the saint's footsteps

During the festival, it is possible to visit places linked to San Leonardo's life, starting with his birthplace in Parasio. It is a journey that combines devotional and historical dimensions, allowing a deeper understanding of a significant figure in Ligurian and Italian spirituality.

Identity and devotion

More than just a religious observance, the festival of San Leonardo is a moment of collective identity for Imperia: an event that, in the heart of autumn, brings the community together around its patron saint and the city's historical roots, in the heart of the Riviera dei Fiori.