Saint George's Festival – Patronal Feast of Portofino
Bonfire, procession, and 'mascoli' salutes in the most famous village on the Riviera
About Saint George's Festival
The Patron Saint of Portofino
In Portofino, a jewel of the Metropolitan City of Genoa and one of the most famous fishing villages in the world, the Festival of Saint George is the most important religious and popular event of the year. The celebrations, coordinated by the Municipality and the Parish, transform the famous Piazzetta and the village streets into a stage for tradition and devotion.
The Bonfire and the 'Mascoli' Salutes
The most anticipated moment is the lighting of the Saint George's bonfire in the Piazzetta, accompanied by food, drinks, and folk music. Characteristic of the festival are the 'mascoli' salutes, the traditional Ligurian blank shots that echo through the narrow streets, and the translation of the Saint's relics between the parish church and the sanctuary.
The Procession
On the Sunday of the festival, the solemn Mass is held, followed by the 'panegirico' salute and, in the evening, the evocative procession with the relics accompanied by the band, followed by the grand 'mascoli' salutes along the village streets. For the occasion, special boats from Rapallo and Santa Margherita Ligure are available, allowing visitors to reach Portofino by sea and experience the festival from a unique perspective.
Saint George's Festival — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Saint George's Festival runs from April 23rd to 27th, with the inaugural bonfire on April 23rd and the highlight on Sunday, April 26th, including the solemn Mass, evening procession, and 'mascoli' salutes along the village streets. Special boats connect Portofino with Rapallo and Santa Margherita Ligure.
Programme Saint George's Festival 2026
Thursday, April 23rd
- 6:00 PM — Translation of the Saint's relics to the Parish Church and 'mascoli' salutes
- 9:00 PM — Lighting of the bonfire in the Piazzetta with food, drinks, and folk music (boats from Rapallo at 8:00 PM and Santa Margherita at 8:15 PM)
Sunday, April 26th
- 8:00 AM — 'Mascoli' salutes at the Parish Church forecourt
- 11:15 AM — Solemn Mass
- 12:00 PM — 'Panegirico' salute
- 9:00 PM — Procession with the Saint's relics and band
- 10:00 PM — Grand 'mascoli' salutes along the village streets
Monday, April 27th
- 9:00 PM — 'Mascoli' salutes after the translation of the relics to the Sanctuary
Highlights Saint George's Festival 2026
Prices Saint George's Festival 2026
Practical information — Saint George's Festival
How to get there
Access to Portofino by car is limited; it is advisable to park in Santa Margherita Ligure and continue by bus or boat. By train: Santa Margherita Ligure-Portofino station, then bus or boat. During the festival, special boats from Rapallo and Santa Margherita Ligure are provided.
Admission
Celebrations are free to attend.
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Where does it take place — Saint George's Festival
Borgo di Portofino, Chiesa di San Giorgio
Piazzetta di Portofino, 16034 Portofino