Saint John's Celebrations – Patron Saint Festival
Turin's patron saint festival featuring the Farò, rowing regattas on the Po, and fireworks
About Saint John
Turin's most cherished festival
The Saint John's Celebrations are the most anticipated popular event of the year in Turin: the city celebrates its patron saint, Saint John the Baptist, with a grand, widespread festival that, every year, centers around June 23rd and 24th, with the city council extending the festivities over several days. It is much more than a religious anniversary: it is a celebration of the city itself and its citizens, a night when Turin recognizes itself, gathers in its squares, and lights up the banks of the Po River.
A tradition with medieval roots
Devotion to the Baptist in Turin dates back to the Middle Ages, when the patron saint's festival was awaited all year long, both for the religious celebration and as a major civic feast. The tradition, which had faded over the centuries, was rediscovered and relaunched in the 1970s. The symbolic heart remains the Farò, the large bonfire lit on the eve of the feast in Piazza Castello: a fire that recalls ancient agricultural customs linked to the summer solstice, merged with the Christian celebration. According to popular tradition, the direction in which the burning structure falls is an omen of good or bad luck for the city.
The program across squares, the Cathedral, and the Po River
The festivities unfold across the iconic landmarks of the city center and its neighborhoods. Traditional highlights include:
- free concerts, ranging from classical to pop repertoires, hosted in venues like the Giuseppe Verdi Conservatory and city squares;
- historical re-enactments and costumed pageants that parade through the center;
- the lighting of the Farò in Piazza Castello on the evening of June 23rd, preceded by the traditional ringing of the bells from the Cathedral tower;
- the Solemn Mass in the Cathedral on June 24th, with the distribution of the Charity breads and the presence of city authorities;
- rowing regattas, dragon boat and canoe races, and the evocative torchlight procession on the Po;
- the major free concert in Piazza Vittorio Veneto, the highlight of the festival, followed by the traditional fireworks display synchronized with music over the river.
The spectacle that illuminates the night
In recent years, the evening concert in Piazza Vittorio Veneto has become a true television event, attracting tens of thousands of people. Great names in Italian music and international guests take the stage before the fireworks over the Po close the evening in front of a massive crowd overlooking the bridges and the Murazzi.
The identity heart of Piedmont
For Turin and the entire Piedmont region, Saint John is no ordinary festival: it is the day when the whole city, from the neighborhoods to the historic center, gathers around its traditions. A unique mix of the sacred and the profane, of medieval memory and contemporary spectacle, which confirms every year the deep bond between the people of Turin and their patron saint.
Saint John — edition 2026
Saint John 2026
From June 19th to 24th, 2026, Turin celebrates its patron saint with a rich program spread across the center and the neighborhoods. It starts on June 19th with a free concert at the Giuseppe Verdi Conservatory (Melos Philharmonic Orchestra and Stefano Tempia Academy); the following days feature the European Music Festival in the squares, historical re-enactments, and costumed pageants.
On the evening of June 23rd, after the traditional ringing of the bells from the Cathedral tower, the Farò is lit in Piazza Castello. On June 24th, the feast day, the Solemn Mass takes place in the Cathedral with the distribution of the Charity breads, followed by rowing regattas, dragon boat and canoe races, and the torchlight procession on the Po.
Torino is Fantastic
The grand finale takes place on the evening of June 24th in Piazza Vittorio Veneto with the free concert "Torino is Fantastic", hosted by Gerry Scotti with the participation of Noemi and a line-up of great Italian and international artists, including special guest Shaggy. Closing the evening, the traditional fireworks display over the Po River, synchronized with music.
Programme Saint John 2026
Thursday, June 19
- Free opening concert at the Giuseppe Verdi Conservatory: Melos Philharmonic Orchestra (approx. 90 members) and choir members of the Stefano Tempia Academy.
Saturday, June 21
- "Note per San Giovanni" – European Music Festival in Piazza Palazzo di Città and Piazza Castello.
Sunday, June 22
- Historical re-enactment and patronal festival in the city center.
Monday, June 23 (Eve)
- Majorettes parade; traditional ringing of the bells from the Cathedral tower.
- Lighting of the traditional Farò in Piazza Castello.
Tuesday, June 24 (Patronal Feast)
- Solemn Mass in the Cathedral with distribution of the Charity breads.
- Rowing regatta, dragon boat and canoe races, and torchlight procession on the river.
- Free concert "Torino is Fantastic" in Piazza Vittorio Veneto, hosted by Gerry Scotti with Noemi and Italian/international guests (special guest Shaggy).
- Final fireworks display over the Po River.
Highlights Saint John 2026
Prices Saint John 2026
Practical information — Saint John
How to get there
Turin is easily accessible by train (Porta Nuova and Porta Susa stations, with high-speed connections) and by car from the main motorways. Turin-Caselle Airport is about 16 km from the city center.
Where it takes place
Events are spread throughout the city center: Piazza Castello (the Farò), Piazza Vittorio Veneto (the concert and fireworks), the Cathedral (the Mass), and the banks of the Po River (regattas and torchlight procession).
Costs
Most events are free; for concerts in the squares, reservations via QR code may be required. It is recommended to check the official program on the City of Turin website for updated times and access methods.
Tips
On the evening of June 24th, attendance is very high: arrive well in advance in Piazza Vittorio Veneto and on the bridges over the Po to watch the fireworks display. Using public transport is strongly recommended.
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Where does it take place — Saint John
Piazza Castello, Piazza Vittorio Veneto, Duomo, fiume Po