Saint Lawrence Festival of Gatteo
The patron saint's festival that enlivens the historic center of Gatteo
About San Lorenzo Festival
The patron saint's festival of Gatteo
The Festival of Saint Lawrence is the most anticipated summer event in the Municipality of Gatteo, in the province of Forlì-Cesena, Emilia-Romagna. Every year, around August 10th, the entire historic center dresses up for a party to celebrate Saint Lawrence the Martyr, the city's patron saint. Also known as San Lorenzo Festival, the event blends religious and popular tradition, offering three days of events spread across the town's squares and courtyards.
A program spread across the squares
The heart of the festival beats in Piazza Vesi, where evening concerts and recitals take place, but the entertainment extends to the charming Castle Courtyard, the park, and the square in front of the Church of Saint Lawrence the Martyr. The offerings are designed for all ages and cover various genres:
- Live Music: from big names in Italian singer-songwriter music to bands ranging from '70s-'90s revival to country-folk.
- Comedy and entertainment shows for the evenings in the square.
- Children's entertainment: street shows, soap bubbles, juggling, treasure hunts, and a children's market.
- Photo exhibitions and guided tours of the historic center's monuments.
- Food stalls and stands from local associations.
Between faith and tradition
The religious highlight is the solemn mass celebrated on the parish church square in honor of the patron saint, often officiated by the Bishop of the diocese. The festival traditionally concludes with the fireworks display that illuminates the Gatteo sky on a summer night, attracting residents and tourists from the nearby Romagna Riviera.
A community festival
Organized by the Municipality of Gatteo with the involvement of the parish community, the Pro Loco, and local associations, the Festival of Saint Lawrence is free admission and represents an authentic opportunity to discover the identity of this Romagna village, just a few kilometers from the sea of Gatteo a Mare and the mouth of the Rubicon River.
San Lorenzo Festival — edition 2026
The 44th edition of the Festival of Saint Lawrence will be held in Gatteo (FC) from August 8 to 10, 2026. The dates have been confirmed by the organizers, while the detailed program is still being finalized and will be published by the Municipality of Gatteo in the weeks leading up to the festival.
As per tradition, the event will liven up the historic center with live music, entertainment and comedy shows, activities for children, exhibitions, guided tours, and food stalls, in addition to the solemn mass in honor of the patron saint and the concluding fireworks display. Admission is free.
Programme San Lorenzo Festival 2026
The detailed program for the 44th edition, including the artistic lineup and schedule, will be announced by the Municipality of Gatteo in the weeks preceding the event.
Based on previous editions, the usual structure of the festival includes:
- Evening concerts and recitals in Piazza Vesi and at the park/castle arena.
- Comedy and entertainment shows for the evenings in the square.
- Children's entertainment in the Castle Courtyard: street shows, soap bubbles, juggling, treasure hunts, and a children's market.
- Photo exhibitions and guided tours of the historic center.
- Solemn mass for the patron saint Saint Lawrence the Martyr on the parish church square.
- Fireworks display on the closing evening of August 10th.
Highlights San Lorenzo Festival 2026
Three days of festivities for the patron saint with live music, comedy shows, children's entertainment, solemn mass, and final fireworks. Artistic program to be defined.
Prices San Lorenzo Festival 2026
Practical information — San Lorenzo Festival
How to get there
Gatteo is located in the province of Forlì-Cesena, a few kilometers from the Adriatic coast. By car: take the Valle del Rubicone exit from the A14 motorway, then follow signs for Gatteo centro. By train: Gatteo a Mare station (Bologna-Rimini-Ancona line) or Cesena station, with bus connections to the center.
Admission
Admission to the festival is free. Some headline concerts may require free booking managed by the Municipality.
Information
URP Municipality of Gatteo: +39 0541 935521. IAT Office: +39 0547 86083. Municipal Library: +39 0541 932377.
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Where does it take place — San Lorenzo Festival
Centro Storico di Gatteo
Centro Storico, 47043 Gatteo