Festival of Our Lady of the Sea
The neighborhood's maritime festival, between faith and conviviality
About Festival Madonna del Mare
The Festival of Mary, Star of the Sea
The Festival of Our Lady of the Sea is the festival of the Trieste district of the same name, organized by the Parish of Our Lady of the Sea. It is a patronal festival linked to the figure of Mary, Star of the Sea (Stella Maris), long venerated by maritime communities and seafarers. The parish church, consecrated in 1954, is the heart of a festival that unites the religious dimension with neighborhood conviviality.
Procession and Blessing of the Sea
The most heartfelt moment is the solemn celebration with the procession of the Marian effigy, accompanied by a band, and the blessing of the sea: a rite that reaffirms the deep bond between Trieste and the Adriatic. Around the moments of faith, the popular festival unfolds, with food stalls and evenings of entertainment.
Gastronomy and Live Music
Throughout the festival, stalls offer local cuisine and specialties, while the stage hosts live music, DJ sets, local bands, and comedy acts. The festival maintains an authentic neighborhood feel, far from large mass events, with particular attention to the participation of families and residents.
The Spirit of an Authentic Trieste
The Festival of Our Lady of the Sea tells of a less touristy and more popular Trieste, made up of neighborhood communities, maritime traditions, and a convivial spirit: a late May event that blends spirituality, cuisine, and celebration under the banner of the Star of the Sea.
Festival Madonna del Mare — edition 2026
The Festival of Our Lady of the Sea 2026 enlivens the district from May 22 to 31, with the central moment being the feast of Mary, Star of the Sea on May 25. The religious program includes a solemn concelebration, a procession with the Marian effigy accompanied by the Borgo San Sergio band, and the blessing of the sea.
Alongside the moments of faith, food stalls open from 7:00 PM and a program of live music, DJ sets, and comedy acts animate the evenings. On June 2, the "Calabresi in Festa" (Calabrians Celebrating) epilogue is scheduled, featuring cuisine and folk-ethno music from the Calabrian tradition.
Programme Festival Madonna del Mare 2026
2026 Program Structure:
- May 22–31: food stalls open from 7:00 PM every evening
- May 25: Feast of Mary, Star of the Sea, solemn concelebration, procession with the Borgo San Sergio band, and blessing of the sea
- Music Evenings: performances by Roby DJ, Daniele Tavascio, Clapa Band, Irish Cofe, and comedy shows by the Crampi Elisi company
- June 2: "Calabresi in Festa" epilogue with Calabrian folk-ethno cuisine and music
Highlights Festival Madonna del Mare 2026
Prices Festival Madonna del Mare 2026
Practical information — Festival Madonna del Mare
How to get there: The Madonna del Mare district is located in the southern part of Trieste's city center, reachable by public transport.
Admission: free; food and drinks are paid for at the stalls.
Opening hours: stalls generally open from 7:00 PM.
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Where does it take place — Festival Madonna del Mare
Parrocchia Madonna del Mare