Patronal Feast of Saint John the Baptist
The bonfire, the procession, and the fireworks over the sea of the Cinque Terre
About Saint John in Monterosso
The Patron Saint of the Cinque Terre
Saint John the Baptist is the patron saint of Monterosso al Mare, the westernmost and largest of the five villages of the Cinque Terre, in the Province of La Spezia. His feast day, June 24th, is one of the most cherished events of the year, blending religious devotion with the magic of a unique world location, nestled between the sea, cliffs, and ancient alleyways.
From the Triduum to the Great Bonfire
The celebrations begin with a triduum in the preceding days, featuring prayer and evening mass. On the eve, June 23rd, is the evening of the Saint John the Baptist Bonfire, lit on the beach after the evening concert: an ancient tradition linked to the summer solstice fires.
Procession, Sea Candles, and Fireworks
On the feast day, June 24th, the day opens with a solemn mass and continues in the afternoon with games for children in Piazza Belvedere. In the evening, the procession winds through the village, accompanied by the La Monterossina Band. As darkness descends, candles on the sea create a magical atmosphere, before the grand finale: the fireworks display launched from the Fishermen's Pier, illuminating the gulf and concluding the patronal feast. An experience that alone is worth a trip to the Cinque Terre.
Saint John in Monterosso — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Feast of Saint John the Baptist takes place from June 21st to 24th in Monterosso al Mare. The triduum from June 21st-23rd prepares for the feast with prayer (5:30 PM) and evening mass (6:00 PM). On the evening of June 23rd, after the 9:00 PM concert, the great Saint John the Baptist Bonfire will be lit on the beach at 10:00 PM.
On June 24th, the patron saint's day, mass is at 11:00 AM; in the afternoon, at 4:30 PM, games for children in Piazza Belvedere; at 6:00 PM, sung mass; at 9:00 PM, the procession with the La Monterossina Band; at 10:00 PM, candles on the sea, and at 10:30 PM, the fireworks display from the Fishermen's Pier.
Programme Saint John in Monterosso 2026
Saturday, June 21st & Sunday, June 22nd (Triduum)
- 5:30 PM — Prayer; 6:00 PM — Evening Mass
Tuesday, June 23rd (Eve)
- 5:30 PM — Prayer; 6:00 PM — Mass
- 9:00 PM — Evening Concert
- 10:00 PM — Saint John the Baptist Bonfire on the beach
Wednesday, June 24th (Patron Saint's Day)
- 11:00 AM — Solemn Mass
- 4:30 PM — Children's games in Piazza Belvedere
- 6:00 PM — Sung Mass
- 9:00 PM — Procession with the "La Monterossina" Band
- 10:00 PM — Candles on the sea
- 10:30 PM — Fireworks display from the Fishermen's Pier
Highlights Saint John in Monterosso 2026
Prices Saint John in Monterosso 2026
Practical information — Saint John in Monterosso
How to get there
Monterosso al Mare is served by its own train station on the Genoa-La Spezia line (frequent Cinque Terre service trains). Car access is limited: the train is a better option. By sea, ferries run from La Spezia and the other villages.
When
June 21st to 24th, with the bonfire on the evening of the 23rd and the procession and fireworks on the 24th.
Admission
Free. The bonfire, procession, and fireworks display can be viewed from the beach and the promenade.
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Where does it take place — Saint John in Monterosso
Monterosso al Mare (Cinque Terre)
Centro storico, 19016 Monterosso al Mare