Patronal Feast of Saint Vitus
The patronal feast blending faith, sea, and tradition in Polignano
About Saint Vitus Polignano
The patronal feast of Polignano a Mare
The Patronal Feast of Saint Vitus is the most anticipated event of the year for the community of Polignano a Mare, in the province of Bari, in the heart of Puglia. Saint Vitus, protector of fishermen and sailors, is deeply linked to the maritime identity of the city: the devotion is rooted in an ancient legend, that of Princess Fiorenza who, in danger during a sea crossing, was saved by the miraculous intervention of the Saint. Since then, the veneration is renewed every year, combining spirituality and popular traditions.
The sea procession
The heart of the festival is the famous sea procession. The statue of the Saint leaves the Mother Church of Santa Maria Assunta towards the Abbey of San Vito and is then loaded onto a fishing boat at the Port of San Vito. Accompanied by dozens of festively decorated boats, the effigy travels along the coast to the landing at Cala Paura, where the Mayor symbolically presents the keys to the city. This is followed by a procession through the alleys of the historic center and the enthronement of the Saint in Piazza dell'Orologio, amidst crowds, illuminations, and fireworks.
Religious rites and Gala Procession
Over the three days, numerous liturgical celebrations take place, culminating in the Solemn Mass presided over by the Bishop and the evocative Gala Procession of the Relics of the Saint. There is also the traditional blessing of the animals in Piazza dell'Orologio, a moment much loved by families.
Music, illuminations, and fireworks
Alongside the religious rites, the festival offers a rich civic program: brass band concerts in the squares, live musical performances, the spectacular illuminations that light up the historic center, and grand firework displays on the seafront, which light up the sky over the sea of Polignano. A festive atmosphere that involves both residents and visitors.
A centuries-old tradition
Organized by the Saint Vitus Patronal Feast Committee, active for over a century, the festival represents an identity heritage for the Municipality of Polignano a Mare and for the whole of Puglia. Faith, sea, and tradition intertwine in an event that every June attracts thousands of people, offering visitors the opportunity to discover one of the most fascinating coastal towns in the region during its most authentic and participatory moment.
Saint Vitus Polignano — edition 2026
The 2026 edition kicked off on Saturday, June 13th, with the traditional Saint Vitus Games at the Sports Hall. On Sunday, June 14th, after the procession of the Sacred Relic towards the Abbey of San Vito, the evocative sea procession took place, departing from the Port at 7:00 PM and arriving at Cala Paura, accompanied by a firework display and the presentation of the city keys. On Monday, June 15th, the liturgical day of the Saint, the Solemn Mass presided over by Bishop Giuseppe Favale and the Gala Procession of the Relics were held, followed by midnight fireworks on the seafront. On Tuesday, June 16th, the blessing of the animals and the final concert in Piazza Aldo Moro took place.
Programme Saint Vitus Polignano 2026
Saturday, June 13th
- 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM — Saint Vitus Games (Sports Hall)
Sunday, June 14th
- 8:45 AM — Procession of the Sacred Relic from the Mother Church to the Abbey of San Vito
- 7:00 PM — Sea procession of the Sacred Image from the Port of San Vito
- 9:00 PM — Landing at Cala Paura with firework display (Pirotecnica Salentina)
- 9:15 PM — Presentation of the city keys and procession through the streets; enthronement in Piazza dell'Orologio
- Brass band concerts in Piazza Aldo Moro
Monday, June 15th
- 10:30 AM — School Orchestra concert in Piazza Aldo Moro and awards ceremony for the 2027 Calendar drawings
- 7:00 PM — Solemn Mass presided over by Bishop Giuseppe Favale
- 8:00 PM — Gala Procession of the Relics
- 12:00 AM — Firework display on the seafront (Pirotecnica Padovano)
Tuesday, June 16th
- 6:00 PM — Blessing of the animals in Piazza dell'Orologio
- 7:00 PM — Holy Mass with the Armed Forces and Law Enforcement, followed by the final procession
- 10:00 PM — "Nello Daniele & Friends" concert in Piazza Aldo Moro
Highlights Saint Vitus Polignano 2026
- Sea procession from the Port of San Vito with dozens of decorated boats
- Solemn Mass by Bishop Giuseppe Favale and Gala Procession of the Relics
- Firework displays on the seafront (Pirotecnica Salentina and Pirotecnica Padovano)
- "Nello Daniele & Friends" concert in Piazza Aldo Moro
- Blessing of the animals and Saint Vitus Games for schools
Prices Saint Vitus Polignano 2026
Practical information — Saint Vitus Polignano
How to get there
Polignano a Mare can be reached by train via Trenitalia lines on the Bari-Lecce route (Polignano a Mare station). By car, take the A14 motorway, exit at Gioia del Colle, or the SS16 Adriatica. The nearest airport is Bari-Palese, about 40 km away.
Admission and tips
All religious and civic events are free to attend. During the festival days, the historic center is closed to traffic: it is recommended to park in the outer areas and reach the center on foot. For the sea procession, the panoramic points along the coast and the seafront offer the best views. In high season, booking hotels and B&Bs in advance is recommended.
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Where does it take place — Saint Vitus Polignano
Centro storico e Porticciolo di San Vito
Piazza dell'Orologio, 70044 Polignano a Mare