Saint George the Martyr Festival
The patronal feast of the Pianura district, featuring processions, Neapolitan music, and evenings in Piazza San Giorgio
About Saint George Festival in Pianura
A tradition reborn in Pianura
The Saint George the Martyr Festival is the patronal feast of the Pianura district, located on the western edge of the Municipality of Naples, in Campania. For over twenty-five years, the celebration had been suspended; in 2025, the San Giorgio Group, coordinated by Father Giuseppe alongside local associations, brought it back to the square, returning one of the most beloved traditions to the inhabitants. Since then, the festival has established itself as the summer event that brings the entire district together in Piazza San Giorgio, in a corner of the city that rarely appears in tourist guides but showcases its most authentic identity here.
Faith, processions, and popular devotion
The heart of the event remains religious. The Holy Mass and the procession of the Patron Saint's image through the streets of the district, accompanied by brass bands and the faithful, mark the days and restore the profound meaning of the feast. Naples is the Italian city with the highest number of patron saints, and every district cherishes its own: in Pianura, it is Saint George the Martyr, the knight saint, the figure around whom the community continues to identify itself from generation to generation.
Neapolitan music, shows, and evenings in the square
At sunset, Piazza San Giorgio transforms into an open-air stage. The program alternates performances by folk groups, Neapolitan and neomelodic music concerts, DJ sets, and live broadcasts from Onda Web Radio, the district's radio station that covers the festival live. In 2026, the artistic direction was entrusted to Francesco Palmieri and Franco Monna, with evenings also hosted by Rosanna Bennardo and Marianna Pompa: guests included Gianni Fiorellino with his “Vai Tour”, Mr. Hyde, and the show “La Paranza di Romeo Barbaro” dedicated to folk music.
A space for families and youth
The festival is not just about music: a large part of the program is designed for those who live in the district every day. Each edition offers:
- entertainment for children and creative workshops in the square;
- an exhibition dedicated to the Patron Saint and a photographic review of the festival's history;
- a talent show open to the youth of the district;
- sports activities and morning appointments;
- food stalls, street food, and crafts along the square.
Part of the “Beato chi le vive” series
Since 2026, the Saint George Festival has officially joined the calendar of “Beato chi le vive”, the series of patronal feasts promoted by the Department of Tourism and Productive Activities of the Municipality of Naples, now in its fourth edition with 26 patronal feasts distributed across all Municipalities from June 1st to October 17th. A project that has grown very quickly: from 12 festivals and 26,000 spectators in the first edition to 22 festivals and 50,000 participants the following year, up to the current 26. Councilor Teresa Armato highlighted its value as a protection of the city's intangible heritage, while President Luigi Carbone recalled the “strong community vocation” of the Neapolitan districts.
Why it is worth visiting
Those who arrive in Pianura during the festival days find something that cannot be bought with a ticket: a crowded square, entire families sitting outside their homes, the scent of the stalls, and music playing until late. It is the best opportunity to understand how Naples experiences its patronal feasts far from the historic center, in a district that chose to rebuild a lost tradition from scratch. Admission is free and all events are free of charge.
Saint George Festival in Pianura — edition 2026
2026 marked a leap in quality for the Pianura patronal feast: the event joined the official program of the 4th edition of “Beato chi le vive”, the series of patronal feasts of the Municipality of Naples which brought together 26 celebrations across all city Municipalities from June 1st to October 17th. From July 2 to 5, Piazza San Giorgio hosted performances by folk groups, children's entertainment, creative workshops, and an exhibition dedicated to the Patron Saint every evening starting at 8:00 PM.
Alongside moments of devotion — Holy Mass, the procession through the district streets, and parish events — the program gave ample space to Neapolitan music, DJ sets, and live broadcasts from Onda Web Radio, which celebrated its tenth anniversary in the square in 2026. The artistic direction was handled by Francesco Palmieri and Franco Monna, with hosting duties also entrusted to Rosanna Bennardo and Marianna Pompa. Free admission for all evenings.
Programme Saint George Festival in Pianura 2026
Thursday, July 2 — Opening and Onda Web Radio's 10th Anniversary
First evening from 9:00 PM in Piazza San Giorgio, dedicated to the 10th anniversary of Onda Web Radio, with Gianni Scardamaglio, Nino Forte, Peppoh, Loredana Daniele, Antonio Rocco, Leo D'Angelo, and other guests from the Neapolitan scene. Hosted by Francesco Palmieri and Rosanna Bennardo. Free admission, with street food and stalls along the square.
Friday, July 3 to Saturday, July 4
Evenings hosted by Franco Monna and Marianna Pompa, with performances by folk groups, live shows, and DJ sets. Musical highlights of the edition included: the Gianni Fiorellino concert with his “Vai Tour”, preceded by Francesco Palmieri's DJ set dedicated to the 70s, 80s, and 90s; the performance by Mr. Hyde; and the show “La Paranza di Romeo Barbaro” dedicated to folk music.
Sunday, July 5 — Closing
Final evening presented by the four hosts of the festival, concluding the celebrations in Piazza San Giorgio.
Throughout the festival
- Holy Mass and procession of the image of Saint George the Martyr through the streets of Pianura
- Exhibition dedicated to the Patron Saint and photographic review
- Children's entertainment and creative workshops, every evening from 8:00 PM
- Talent show for the district's youth
- Morning sports activities
- Food and craft stalls
Highlights Saint George Festival in Pianura 2026
- Completely free admission to all evenings
- 10th anniversary of Onda Web Radio celebrated in the square on July 2
- Gianni Fiorellino concert with the “Vai Tour”
- “La Paranza di Romeo Barbaro”, a tribute to Neapolitan folk music
- Procession of Saint George the Martyr through the streets of Pianura
- First edition officially included in the municipal series “Beato chi le vive”
Prices Saint George Festival in Pianura 2026
Practical information — Saint George Festival in Pianura
How to get there
Pianura is located in the western area of Naples, within the Municipality that also includes Soccavo. By train, you can arrive via the Circumflegrea railway (EAV), Pianura stop, connected to the Naples Montesanto station; the district is also served by ANM bus lines. By car, it can be reached from the Naples Tangenziale following signs for Pianura; Naples-Capodichino airport is about 15 km away.
Traffic during the festival
During the event days, the Municipality of Naples adopts a temporary traffic plan in the area of Piazzale Don Giulio Russolillo and Via Vicinale Sant'Aniello: it is advisable to leave the car away from the square and reach the center of the festival on foot.
Admission and times
All events are free and open to the public. Evenings in Piazza San Giorgio begin around 8:00 PM, with main concerts from 9:00 PM onwards.
Tips
The festival is very popular with local families: arrive early to find a spot near the stage. For accommodation, it is advisable to stay in the city of Naples or the Phlegraean area (Pozzuoli, Bagnoli), just a few kilometers away.
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Where does it take place — Saint George Festival in Pianura
Piazza San Giorgio (quartiere Pianura)
Piazza San Giorgio, Pianura, 80126 Napoli