Patronal Feast – Our Lady of Mercy
On March 18th, Savona celebrates its patron saint with processions and 'balunetti'
About Feast of Mercy
The Patron Saint of Savona
Our Lady of Mercy is the patron saint of Savona: the feast on March 18th commemorates the 1536 apparition to the blessed Antonio Botta, in the place where the imposing Sanctuary, one of the most important in Liguria, now stands. It is the most heartfelt religious anniversary in the city, capable of uniting the spiritual and popular dimensions.
Triduum, Vigil, and Processions
The celebrations are spread over several days: the triduum of preparation, the vigil with the evocative torchlight procession, and above all the grand solemn procession on March 18th, which starts from the Cathedral to reach the Sanctuary. Masses follow one another from dawn to evening, with the participation of bishops and numerous pilgrims.
The 'Balunetti', a Savona Tradition
A distinctive feature of the feast is the tradition of the 'balunetti', the colored paper lanterns that the people of Savona display in their windows and on their balconies on the evenings of the anniversary, illuminating the city in honor of the Madonna. An ancient popular gesture, which makes the Feast of Mercy a deeply identity-forming event for Savona.
Feast of Mercy — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Patronal Feast of Our Lady of Mercy celebrated the 490th anniversary of the 1536 apparition. The festivities opened with the triduum (March 15-16) and the vigil on March 17th, featuring the torchlight procession from the Church of San Bernardo. On March 18th, the feast day, Masses were held from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with the solemn procession at 7:00 AM from the Cathedral to the Sanctuary, attended by three bishops. As tradition dictates, the 'balunetti' illuminated the city's windows.
Programme Feast of Mercy 2026
March 15-16 — Triduum of Preparation
- Triduum celebrations in honor of the patron saint
Tuesday, March 17th
- 8:00 PM — Vigil with torchlight procession from the Church of San Bernardo
Wednesday, March 18th — Patronal Feast
- Holy Masses from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- 7:00 AM — Solemn procession from the Cathedral to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Mercy
- Presence of three bishops; tradition of 'balunetti' in the windows
Highlights Feast of Mercy 2026
Prices Feast of Mercy 2026
Practical information — Feast of Mercy
How to get there
By train: Savona station on the Genoa–Ventimiglia line. By car: A10, Savona exit. The Sanctuary is located in the Fornaci/valle del San Bernardo area; the celebrations also involve the Cathedral in the city center.
When
Feast on March 18th, preceded by the triduum and vigil. Free admission to celebrations.
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Where does it take place — Feast of Mercy
Santuario di N.S. della Misericordia e Cattedrale di Savona
Santuario di Nostra Signora della Misericordia, 17100 Savona