Patronal Feast of Saint John the Baptist in Cervo
Edition 2026 Sacred music Heritage Folk traditions

Patronal Feast of Saint John the Baptist in Cervo

Cervo's patron saint between a beach dinner and the Saint John's Eve bonfire

Cervo — Imperia (008)
Dates 23 Jun — 24 Jun 2026
Location Cervo (008)
Prices Free
Status

About Saint John in Cervo

In June, the village of Cervo, on the Riviera dei Fiori (province of Imperia), celebrates its patron saint, Saint John the Baptist. Tradition dictates a communal dinner on Pilone Beach and the great bonfire on Saint John's Eve, an ancient summer solstice rite that illuminates the Imperia coast and marks the start of the bathing season.

The Patron Saint of the Corallini Village

The Church of Saint John the Baptist — the famous Corallini church — dominates the village of Cervo, on the Riviera dei Fiori, in the province of Imperia, with its Baroque facade. It's no surprise, then, that the saint is the patron saint of the town, celebrated in June with a ceremony that combines devotion and popular tradition.

Beach Dinner and Bonfire

The heart of the festival is the communal dinner on Pilone Beach, a convivial moment that brings together residents and visitors by the sea. Afterwards, in the evening, the great bonfire of Saint John's Eve is lit, an ancient rite linked to the summer solstice found throughout Ligurian and Mediterranean tradition. The flames reflecting in the sea create a suggestive scene, perfect for inaugurating the Cervo summer.

A Sea Tradition

The Patronal Feast of Saint John the Baptist is organized by the Municipality of Cervo in synergy with the Pro Loco and is part of the village's rich summer calendar, which also features the renowned Chamber Music Festival and literary events. An opportunity to experience Cervo in its most authentic dimension, between faith, community, and the sea.

Saint John in Cervo — edition 2026

In 2026, Cervo will once again celebrate its patron saint, Saint John the Baptist, with the traditional communal dinner on Pilone Beach and the great bonfire on Saint John's Eve. The precise dates, traditionally around June 23rd, will be announced by the Municipality and the Pro Loco.

The Patronal Feast of Saint John the Baptist in Cervo follows tradition each year: the convivial dinner by the sea on Pilone Beach and the evening bonfire on Saint John's Eve. The detailed program for the 2026 edition will be published by the organizers in the weeks prior.

Programme Saint John in Cervo 2026

The detailed program for the 2026 edition will be communicated by the Municipality of Cervo and the Pro Loco. The traditional schedule includes:

  • Religious celebrations in honor of Saint John the Baptist
  • 7:00 PM — Communal dinner on Pilone Beach
  • 10:00 PM — Saint John's Eve bonfire by the sea

Highlights Saint John in Cervo 2026

The dinner on Pilone Beach and the Saint John's Eve bonfire by the sea.

Prices Saint John in Cervo 2026

Free admission; the beach dinner may require booking.

Practical information — Saint John in Cervo

How to Get There

Cervo is located on the Riviera dei Fiori, between Imperia and Andora. By car from the A10 Imperia Est or San Bartolomeo al Mare exit. The nearest train station is Diano Marina. The village is pedestrianized; Pilone Beach is at the foot of the village.

Information

The festival has free admission; the beach dinner may require booking. Specific dates and program details are announced by the Municipality and the Pro Loco in the preceding days.

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Where does it take place — Saint John in Cervo

Borgo di Cervo e Spiaggia del Pilone

Saint John in Cervo in brief

Sacred music Heritage Folk traditions Folklore Outdoor Imperia

History of Saint John in Cervo