Festa Patronale di San Giovanni Battista
The bonfire, the procession, and the fireworks over the sea of the Cinque Terre
About San Giovanni a Monterosso
The patron saint of the Cinque Terre
San Giovanni Battista is the patron saint of Monterosso al Mare, the westernmost and largest of the five villages of the Cinque Terre, in the Province of La Spezia. His feast day, on June 24th, is one of the most cherished events of the year, blending religious devotion with the magic of a unique location, nestled between the sea, cliffs, and ancient alleyways.
From the Triduum to the Great Bonfire
The celebrations begin with a triduum in the preceding days, featuring prayer and evening Mass. On the eve, June 23rd, is the night of the San Giovanni Battista Bonfire, lit on the beach after the evening concert: an ancient tradition linked to the summer solstice fires.
Procession, Candles, and Fireworks over the Sea
On the feast day, June 24th, the celebration opens with a solemn Mass and continues in the afternoon with games for children in Piazza Belvedere. In the evening, the procession winds through the village, accompanied by the La Monterossina Band. As darkness falls, candles on the sea create a magical atmosphere, before the grand finale: the fireworks display launched from the Fishermen's Pier, illuminating the gulf and concluding the patronal festival. An experience that alone is worth a trip to the Cinque Terre.
San Giovanni a Monterosso — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Festa di San Giovanni Battista takes place from June 21st to 24th in Monterosso al Mare. The triduum from June 21st-23rd prepares for the festival with prayer (5:30 PM) and evening Mass (6:00 PM). On the evening of June 23rd, after the 9:00 PM concert, the great San Giovanni Battista Bonfire will be lit on the beach at 10:00 PM.
On June 24th, the patron saint's day, Mass is at 11:00 AM; in the afternoon, at 4:30 PM, games for children in Piazza Belvedere; at 6:00 PM, sung Mass; at 9:00 PM, the procession with the La Monterossina Band; at 10:00 PM, candles on the sea, and at 10:30 PM, the fireworks display from the Fishermen's Pier.
Programme San Giovanni a Monterosso 2026
Saturday, June 21st & Sunday, June 22nd (Triduum)
- 5:30 PM — Prayer; 6:00 PM — Evening Mass
Tuesday, June 23rd (Eve)
- 5:30 PM — Prayer; 6:00 PM — Mass
- 9:00 PM — Evening Concert
- 10:00 PM — San Giovanni Battista Bonfire on the beach
Wednesday, June 24th (Patron Saint's Day)
- 11:00 AM — Solemn Mass
- 4:30 PM — Children's games in Piazza Belvedere
- 6:00 PM — Sung Mass
- 9:00 PM — Procession with the "La Monterossina" Band
- 10:00 PM — Candles on the sea
- 10:30 PM — Fireworks display from the Fishermen's Pier
Highlights San Giovanni a Monterosso 2026
Prices San Giovanni a Monterosso 2026
Practical information — San Giovanni a Monterosso
How to get there
Monterosso al Mare is served by the train station on the Genoa-La Spezia line (frequent Cinque Terre service stops). Car access is limited: the train is a better option. By sea, ferries run from La Spezia and the other villages.
When
From June 21st to 24th, with the bonfire on the evening of the 23rd and the procession and fireworks on the 24th.
Admission
Free. The bonfire, procession, and fireworks display can be viewed from the beach and the promenade.
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Where does it take place — San Giovanni a Monterosso
Monterosso al Mare (Cinque Terre)
Centro storico, 19016 Monterosso al Mare