Festa Patronale di San Bartolomeo
A week of faith and celebration for the patron saint, with the evocative Night of the Lumini by the sea
About Festa Patronale San Bartolomeo
The patron saint of the Gulf of Dianese
The Festa Patronale di San Bartolomeo is the most cherished event of the summer in San Bartolomeo al Mare, in the province of Imperia, in the heart of the Gulf of Dianese. The celebrations, spread over an entire week in August, combine the religious dimension linked to the patron saint — the apostle Bartholomew — with the community festival that involves the entire town.
The Night of the Lumini
The emotional heart of the festival is the Night of the Lumini, an evening of rare charm that includes prayers for peace, the blessing of the sea, and the procession of the saint, accompanied by confraternities, associations, and the town band. The lights of the lumini along the seafront create an enchanting atmosphere, especially for families and children.
A festival for the whole community
The program also includes the Ribotta Patronale, the popular festival with stalls and music, solemn masses, the patron's lunch, and a symphonic-operatic concert to close. The parish, the Municipality, the Pro Loco, the seaside resorts, sports associations, and volunteers contribute to the success of the festival, in a collective effort that tells the identity of San Bartolomeo al Mare.
Festa Patronale San Bartolomeo — edition 2026
The 2026 edition confirms the traditional week of patronal celebrations in San Bartolomeo al Mare, linked to the feast day of Saint Bartholomew the Apostle on August 24th. The calendar, following the model of previous years, includes the Night of the Lumini, the Ribotta Patronale, solemn masses, and musical events.
The precise dates and detailed program will be released by the parish, the Municipality, and the Pro Loco in the weeks preceding the festival.
Programme Festa Patronale San Bartolomeo 2026
The detailed program for the 2026 edition will be published by the parish and the Municipality. The usual structure, inspired by previous editions, includes:
- Opening of the festivities and Ribotta Patronale with stalls and music in the first few days;
- Triduum of preparation with evening masses;
- Night of the Lumini: prayer for peace, blessing of the sea, and procession of the saint;
- Solemn Mass on the patron saint's day and patron's lunch;
- Symphonic-operatic concert to close.
Highlights Festa Patronale San Bartolomeo 2026
Prices Festa Patronale San Bartolomeo 2026
Practical information — Festa Patronale San Bartolomeo
How to get there
San Bartolomeo al Mare is on the Via Aurelia (SS1), in the Gulf of Dianese. By car, take the Imperia Est exit of the A10 motorway. The nearest train station is Diano Marina.
Admission
The celebrations and events are free to enter. Food stalls may have a charge.
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Where does it take place — Festa Patronale San Bartolomeo
Centro di San Bartolomeo al Mare