Festa Patronale di Santa Margherita di Antiochia
Edition 2026 Sacred music Pyrotechnic show Heritage

Festa Patronale di Santa Margherita di Antiochia

The patron saint of Vernazza between procession, games, and fireworks over the sea

Vernazza — La Spezia (011)
Dates 20 Jul — 20 Jul 2026
Location Vernazza (011)
Prices Free
Status Confirmed

About Santa Margherita di Antiochia

On July 20th, Vernazza, one of the most beloved villages of the Cinque Terre, celebrates its patron saint, Saint Margaret of Antioch. A day that intertwines faith and popular celebration: the procession along the main street, stalls in the village, the famous Games of Saint Margaret with over half a century of history, and finally, fireworks over the sea. Included among the Authentic Ligurian Events, it's an opportunity to experience Vernazza in its most authentic dimension, far from mere beach tourism.

The patron saint of the Cinque Terre

The Patronal Festival of Saint Margaret of Antioch is the most heartfelt event of the year in Vernazza, in the province of La Spezia, a pearl of the Cinque Terre National Park and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is celebrated on July 20th, the day of the patron saint, and is included among the Authentic Ligurian Events supported by the Region.

Between procession and fireworks

The day combines religious and festive dimensions. The procession winds through the village's main street, followed by stalls and moments of celebration. In the evening, the most anticipated spectacle: the fireworks over the sea, which illuminate Vernazza's famous cove with colors reflected on the water, in one of Liguria's most scenic settings.

The Games of Saint Margaret

A characteristic element of the festival are the Games of Saint Margaret, a tradition with over fifty years of history that involves the community in popular tests and competitions. Organized by the Pro Loco Vernazza, they are a sign of the festival's deep roots in the social fabric of the village.

Vernazza and the wine of the Cinque Terre

The same weekend, the village also hosts "Vernazza in Vigna", an enotourism event dedicated to the heroic wines produced on the terraces of the Cinque Terre. An additional opportunity to discover Vernazza not just as a postcard destination, but as a living community, tied to the sea, the vine, and its traditions.

Santa Margherita di Antiochia — edition 2026

The Patronal Festival of Saint Margaret of Antioch returns to Vernazza on July 20, 2026, with the procession along the main street, stalls in the village, the Games of Saint Margaret, and the evening fireworks over the sea of the Cinque Terre. Included among the Authentic Ligurian Events.

In 2026, the Festival of Saint Margaret of Antioch will be celebrated in Vernazza on July 20th. The day will include the procession along the main street, stalls, the Games of Saint Margaret, and in the evening, fireworks over the sea. The same weekend, on July 19th, the enotourism event "Vernazza in Vigna" will also be held. The festival is included among the Authentic Ligurian Events 2026.

Programme Santa Margherita di Antiochia 2026

Sunday, July 19th

  • "Vernazza in Vigna": enotourism event dedicated to the wines of the Cinque Terre

Monday, July 20th — Patronal festival

  • Religious celebrations in honor of Saint Margaret of Antioch
  • Procession along the main street of the village
  • Stalls and moments of celebration
  • Games of Saint Margaret (tradition with over 50 years of history)
  • Evening — Fireworks over the sea

Highlights Santa Margherita di Antiochia 2026

The fireworks over Vernazza's sea, the Games of Saint Margaret, the procession in the Cinque Terre village.

Prices Santa Margherita di Antiochia 2026

Festival with free admission.

Practical information — Santa Margherita di Antiochia

When

July 20th, Saint Margaret's Day. The same weekend, "Vernazza in Vigna" is held (July 19th).

Where

Village and marina of Vernazza (SP), Cinque Terre National Park.

How to get there

By train to Vernazza station, on the Cinque Terre line (Genoa-La Spezia): the most convenient way, given the limited car access. With the Cinque Terre Card, you can easily reach the villages.

Admission

Festival and fireworks are free admission.

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Where does it take place — Santa Margherita di Antiochia

Borgo e marina di Vernazza

Contact Santa Margherita di Antiochia

Santa Margherita di Antiochia in brief

Sacred music Pyrotechnic show Heritage Folk traditions Folklore Outdoor La Spezia

History of Santa Margherita di Antiochia