Ineja - Festa di San Giovanni Battista

The festival of the patron saint of Oneglia

Ineja is the main patronal festival of Oneglia, one of the two historical souls of Imperia, in Liguria. Dedicated to Saint John the Baptist (June 24th), the event takes place for about ten days in June and represents the most anticipated and identity-affirming event of the Oneglian summer, organized by the Committee for Saint John and Oneglian Traditions.

'Stoccafisso all'onegliese' takes centre stage

The gastronomic heart of the festival is Ineja Food, with its signature dish: 'stoccafisso all'onegliese' De.C.O. (a local designation of origin), prepared every evening by volunteer chefs in the monumental historical pots "Battistina" and "Ineja". It's a recipe that tells the maritime and mercantile history of Oneglia, linked to the stockfish trade, and which attracts thousands of gourmets to the port quay every year.

MercantIneja, shows, and fireworks

Alongside gastronomy, the festival features the MercantIneja market exhibition, with exhibition, commercial, and craft stands, and a rich programme of shows, music, and entertainment. Not to be missed are the fireworks over the sea, which illuminate the gulf and offer one of the most evocative moments of the event.

The heart of the Oneglian summer

More than just a patronal festival, Ineja is a moment of collective identity for Oneglia: a celebration of the traditions, cuisine, and maritime history of the city. An event that, edition after edition, confirms the deep bond between Imperia and its roots, in the heart of the Riviera dei Fiori.