Saint Sebastian Procession

A winter rite in Dolceacqua

The Procession of Saint Sebastian is one of the most characteristic events in Dolceacqua, in the Nervia Valley, province of Imperia. It is celebrated on the Sunday closest to January 20th and reinterprets, in a Catholic context, a winter cult of pre-Christian origin, linked to the cycle of the seasons.

The laurel tree and the negie

The central element of the procession is a large laurel branch decorated with 'negie', colorful wafers prepared by the community during long night vigils. The artisans of the brotherhood, the 'bastianin', carefully shape the tree, completing its form. At the end of the service, the faithful receive the adorned branches in exchange for voluntary offerings, keeping them as blessed objects.

Faith and tradition

The procession is much more than a religious rite; it is an intangible heritage that tells the story and soul of the village. The preparation of the colored wafers and the tree involves the community for days, renewing ancient knowledge passed down from generation to generation.

Dolceacqua in winter

Experiencing the Procession of Saint Sebastian means discovering a different Dolceacqua from the summer one, gathered around its traditions. For the curious visitor, it is an opportunity to discover a unique rite in the heart of the Ligurian hinterland of Ponente.