Saint George Festival and Omelette Festival
The patronal feast of Vieste featuring processions, horse racing, and omelettes on the Gargano coast
About Saint George Festival Vieste
The patronal feast of Vieste
The Saint George the Martyr Festival is the most cherished celebration in Vieste, a town in the Province of Foggia overlooking the Gargano promontory in Apulia. Saint George is the city's co-patron alongside Saint Mary of Merino. Every year, on April 22nd and 23rd, the Vieste community gathers around its saint with a blend of religious rites and secular festivities that involve the entire town and attract numerous visitors from across the Gargano region.
Faith and procession
The religious heart of the festival occurs on the morning of April 23rd, when the procession of the Saint's statue departs from the Co-Cathedral Basilica, presided over by the Archbishop alongside the Chapter and local clergy. The procession winds through the narrow streets of the historic center with hymns and prayers until it reaches the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, where the evocative launch of the Great Hot Air Balloon and fireworks in honor of the patron saint take place.
The horse race
Among the most anticipated traditions is the horse race, held on the afternoon of April 23rd on the Spiaggia del Castello, along the Lungomare E. Mattei coastline. The competition recalls the ancient equestrian bond with the figure of Saint George, who is traditionally depicted on horseback: the horses are prepared all year long for this unique, highly significant day that brings fame to both jockey and steed.
The Omelette Festival
On the gastronomic front, the festival is inextricably linked to the Omelette Festival, held in Piazza Santa Maria delle Grazie around noon. The event, organized by the Gargano and Capitanata Chefs Association, offers tastings of large omelettes prepared according to local tradition, accompanied by wine provided by local wineries.
Music and fireworks by the sea
Both evenings are enlivened by concerts at Marina Piccola and performances by local bands, while light and water shows and midnight fireworks over the tourist port bring the festivities to a spectacular close. Between the sacred and the profane, the Saint George Festival tells the story of the authentic identity of Vieste and the Gargano, amidst devotion, the sea, and community spirit.
Saint George Festival Vieste — edition 2026
The 2026 Saint George Festival in Vieste opened on April 22nd with a blank shot, the parade of the "G. Cariglia", "P. Rinaldi", and "G. Ligonzo" of Conversano marching bands, the grand concert of the "G. Ligonzo" Wind Orchestra at the Villa Comunale, and the "Magie di Luce" dancing fountain show at Marina Piccola.
On April 23rd, the patron saint's day, the morning featured the procession of the Saint's statue from the Co-Cathedral Basilica, presided over by Archbishop Father Franco Moscone. At noon, in Piazza Santa Maria delle Grazie, the Omelette Festival was hosted by the Gargano and Capitanata Chefs Association, with wine provided by Cantine Cimaglia. At 6:00 PM, the traditional horse race took place on the Spiaggia del Castello. In the evening, at 9:45 PM at Marina Piccola, the concert "Emozioni" by Mogol and Gianmarco Carroccia took place, followed by midnight fireworks over the tourist port to conclude the festivities.
Programme Saint George Festival Vieste 2026
April 22
- 5:00 PM — Blank shot and parade of the "G. Cariglia", "P. Rinaldi", and "G. Ligonzo" of Conversano marching bands
- 9:00 PM — Grand concert of the "G. Ligonzo" Wind Orchestra of Conversano, conducted by Maestro Angelo Schirinzi, at the Villa Comunale
- 11:00 PM — "Magie di Luce", dancing fountain show at Marina Piccola
April 23
- 7:30 AM — Blank shot and tour of the "P. Rinaldi" and "G. Cariglia" bands
- 10:00 AM — Procession of the Saint George statue from the Co-Cathedral Basilica
- 11:30 AM — Omelette Festival in Piazza Santa Maria delle Grazie and launch of the Great Hot Air Balloon
- 6:00 PM — Horse race on the Spiaggia del Castello (Lungomare E. Mattei)
- 9:45 PM — "Emozioni" concert by Mogol and Gianmarco Carroccia at Marina Piccola
- 12:00 AM — Fireworks over the tourist port
Highlights Saint George Festival Vieste 2026
Prices Saint George Festival Vieste 2026
Practical information — Saint George Festival Vieste
When
Every year on April 22nd and 23rd, the feast day of the patron saint, Saint George the Martyr.
Where
Vieste (FG), Apulia. Events take place in the historic center, Piazza Santa Maria delle Grazie, Marina Piccola, and on the Spiaggia del Castello (Lungomare E. Mattei).
How to get there
By car via the SS89 Garganica; the nearest train stations are San Severo and Foggia, which are connected to Vieste by bus. In summer, maritime connections are available to the Tremiti Islands and other Adriatic ports.
Admission
All events are free and open to the public.
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Where does it take place — Saint George Festival Vieste
Centro storico, Marina Piccola e Spiaggia del Castello