Patronal Feast of Saint John the Baptist – Genoa

The patron saint of Genoa

Saint John the Baptist is the patron saint of Genoa, and his feast day, celebrated on June 23rd and 24th, is rooted in a devotion that has linked the city to its protector for over nine centuries. The presence of the saint's relics, kept in the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, has made this occasion a cornerstone of Genoese religious and civil identity.

Vigil: Bonfires and Ghost Tour

On the evening of June 23rd, the eve of the feast, the historic center comes alive with music and events. At midnight, the traditional bonfire is lit in Piazza Matteotti, in front of the Doge's Palace, according to a ritual that recalls the ancient bonfires of Saint John. The Ghost Tour, a spectacular journey through the myths and legends of ancient Genoa, also comes to life among the narrow streets.

The Procession of the Casacce

June 24th is the day of the solemn procession of the Casacce, the historic Genoese confraternities. The procession, which carries the monumental processional Christs and the Silver Ark with the saint's relics, starts from the Cathedral of San Lorenzo and crosses the city center to the Old Port, passing through Piazza Raibetta and Piazza Caricamento. Here, the Archbishop bestows his blessing upon the sea and the city, in one of the most moving moments of Genoese tradition.

A Heritage of Art and Devotion

The procession is also an extraordinary display of the artistic heritage of Genoa's churches and oratories: the processional Christs and floats, authentic masterpieces of Ligurian art, tell stories of centuries of faith and artisan skill. The special openings of museums complete a day that combines devotion, history, and cultural discovery.