Saints Erasmus and Marcian Festival
Gaeta's patronal feast blending faith, sea, and spectacular fireworks
About Saints Erasmus and Marcian
A festival that defines the identity of Gaeta
The Saints Erasmus and Marcian Festival is the most cherished event of the year for the town of Gaeta, located in the province of Latina, in southern Lazio. Saint Erasmus, bishop and martyr, is venerated as the protector of the city and the entire Archdiocese of Gaeta, alongside Saint Marcian. Their reliquary busts, kept in the Cathedral Basilica, are brought out once a year to parade through the historic center overlooking the gulf. For the people of Gaeta, this is more than just a religious rite; it is the moment the entire city reaffirms its deep-rooted maritime history.
The religious core: novena, Pontifical Mass, and procession
The journey of preparation begins with the exposition of the reliquaries and the novena at the Cathedral Basilica in Piazza Arcivescovado. The eve of the feast is celebrated with a Mass presided over by the Archbishop, followed by the traditional offering of candles and flowers by the municipal administration—an ancient gesture that seals the bond between the civic and ecclesiastical communities.
On June 2nd, the day of the feast, the morning Mass is followed in the late afternoon by the solemn Pontifical Mass celebrated by the Archbishop and the city's clergy. Immediately after, the procession of the reliquary busts winds through the main streets of Gaeta, accompanied by renowned brass bands invited for the occasion: a slow-moving pageant that weaves through the medieval quarter and the seafront, drawing thousands of spectators.
The civic side: fair, sea, music, and fireworks
Alongside the religious rites, the civic program transforms Gaeta into a grand popular celebration:
- Saints' Fair along Via Annunziata, featuring craft stalls, sweets, and local products under festive street lights;
- Sea Palio, a rowing competition between local crews preceded by a blessing, highlighting Gaeta's maritime vocation;
- Major free concerts at Molo Santa Maria, in the Piazza delle Capitanerie di Porto, featuring nationally acclaimed artists;
- Lyrical-symphonic band concert on the steps of the Santissima Annunziata Sanctuary, held upon the return of the procession;
- Land-and-sea fireworks display launched from the cliffs of Punta Stendardo, the most scenic moment of the entire event, reflecting beautifully over the gulf waters.
The setting: Gaeta and its gulf
Gaeta is one of the most charming cities on the Lazio coast: the medieval district of Sant'Erasmo, the Angevin-Aragonese Castle, the Montagna Spaccata, and the Santissima Trinità Sanctuary provide a natural backdrop for the festivities. During the celebration days, the historic center is closed to traffic and becomes pedestrian-only, filled with lights and the scent of market stalls—the best way to discover the narrow alleys, churches, and sea viewpoints.
When to go and what to expect
The event is concentrated between the final days of May and early June, with the climax invariably set for June 2nd. It is a free, open-to-all festival suitable for families: those seeking a spiritual experience will find well-organized, heartfelt celebrations, while those looking for a lively atmosphere will enjoy music, the fair, and fireworks late into the night. It is recommended to arrive well in advance for the procession and the fireworks, as the Lungomare Caboto fills up completely.
Saints Erasmus and Marcian — edition 2026
The 2026 edition confirmed the formula that blends the religious and popular dimensions of Gaeta's patronal feast. Celebrations began with the exposition of the reliquaries and the novena in the Cathedral Basilica, while the historic center lit up with festive illuminations and the Saints' Fair along Via Annunziata.
The most anticipated moment of the civic program arrived on the evening of June 1st with the free concert by The Kolors at Molo Santa Maria, in the Piazza delle Capitanerie di Porto, facing the sea. On June 2nd, the day was marked by the morning Mass in the Cathedral, the solemn Pontifical Mass by the Archbishop, and the procession of the reliquary busts accompanied by the "Giuseppe Chielli" Grand Concert Band of Noci, followed by the lyrical-symphonic concert on the steps of the Santissima Annunziata and the fireworks display from the cliffs of Punta Stendardo.
Programme Saints Erasmus and Marcian 2026
Saturday, May 30
- Opening of the Saints' Fair on Via Annunziata and lighting of the historic center
Sunday, May 31
- Novena celebrations in the Cathedral Basilica
- Sea Palio, with the blessing of the crews
- "Le Strade del Gusto e dell'Inclusione" social and gastronomic initiatives
Monday, June 1
- 7:00 PM — Vigil Eucharist in the Cathedral Basilica presided over by Archbishop Luigi Vari, followed by the traditional offering of candles and flowers by the municipal administration
- 9:30 PM — Concert by The Kolors at Molo Santa Maria, Piazza delle Capitanerie di Porto — free admission
Tuesday, June 2 — Feast Day
- 11:00 AM — Mass in the Cathedral
- 5:30 PM — Solemn Pontifical Mass by the Archbishop, concelebrated by the priests of Gaeta
- 6:30 PM — Procession of the reliquary busts through the main streets of the city, accompanied by the "Giuseppe Chielli" Grand Concert Band of Noci (BA)
- Upon the procession's return — Land-and-sea fireworks display from the cliffs of Punta Stendardo
- Following — Lyrical-symphonic band concert on the steps of the Santissima Annunziata Sanctuary
Wednesday, June 3
- Closing of the Saints' Fair and final events in the historic center
Highlights Saints Erasmus and Marcian 2026
- Free concert by The Kolors at Molo Santa Maria, June 1 at 9:30 PM
- Procession of the reliquary busts of Saints Erasmus and Marcian, June 2 at 6:30 PM
- Solemn Pontifical Mass by Archbishop Luigi Vari in the Cathedral Basilica
- Land-and-sea fireworks display from the cliffs of Punta Stendardo
- Sea Palio and Saints' Fair on Via Annunziata
Prices Saints Erasmus and Marcian 2026
Practical information — Saints Erasmus and Marcian
Getting there
By car: A1 motorway, exit at Cassino, then take the SS630 to Formia and the SS213 Flacca towards Gaeta; alternatively, take the SS7 Appia. By train: Formia-Gaeta station on the Rome-Naples line, then local bus (approx. 20 minutes). By plane: Rome Fiumicino and Naples Capodichino airports are both about two hours away.
Parking and traffic
During the festival, the Sant'Erasmo district and Via Annunziata are subject to temporary traffic changes and closures. It is advisable to leave your car in the parking lots along Lungomare Caboto or in the Serapo area and continue on foot.
Admission and costs
Religious celebrations, the procession, the Sea Palio, concerts at Molo Santa Maria, and the fireworks display are free of charge. Only purchases at the fair and food/drinks are paid.
Tips
Wear comfortable shoes for the steep alleys of the old town, arrive early to secure a good viewing spot on the seafront for the fireworks, and book your accommodation well in advance, as the June 2nd long weekend is one of the busiest times of the season.
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Where does it take place — Saints Erasmus and Marcian
Basilica Cattedrale dei Santi Erasmo e Marciano e centro storico
Piazza Arcivescovado, 04024 Gaeta