San Vittore Patronal Festival
The patron saint festival of Verbania, blending faith, tradition, and fireworks over the lake
About San Vittore
The patron saint festival of Verbania
The San Vittore Patronal Festival is one of the most cherished events of the year in Verbania, the capital of the Verbano-Cusio-Ossola province in Piedmont. Celebrated on May 8th, the day dedicated to the patron saint, the festival combines religious devotion with popular celebration, taking place in the heart of the Intra district, overlooking Lake Maggiore.
Religious rites and the blessing of the lake
The most solemn moment occurs on the evening of May 8th: Mass is celebrated in the Basilica of San Vittore, followed by the traditional procession that winds its way to the lakefront. Here, one of the city's most evocative and identity-defining rituals takes place: the blessing of the lake, imparted by the Bishop. The day also includes morning Mass, Vespers, and the Blessing of the Saint's Relic.
Civic honors and fireworks
Beyond its spiritual dimension, the festival is a civic milestone for the community: the Municipality of Verbania presents civic honors to citizens and associations that have distinguished themselves through their commitment. The evening concludes with traditional fireworks on the Intra waterfront, near the port, organized by the Municipal Administration—a pyrotechnic show that reflects on the waters of Lake Maggiore and draws thousands of visitors each year.
The Pacian gastronomic festival
For several days, Piazzetta Giovanni Fasana, behind the Intra Basilica, hosts food stalls run by the Pacian da Intra association. The menu celebrates local popular cuisine: risotto, scigull e luganiga, paccheri with ragù, spaghetti alla chitarra with seafood, polenta with tapelucco and gorgonzola, as well as pork chops, breaded cutlets, and mixed grills. There is also the pastry chefs' cake of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola, distributed on the day of the festival.
A tradition that tells the story of the city
The San Vittore Festival is much more than a religious recurrence: it is the occasion when Verbania rediscovers its identity through faith, conviviality, and love for Lake Maggiore. Between processions, blessings, folk music, and gastronomy, the patronal festival unites the city's districts and welcomes visitors from the entire Piedmontese shore of the lake.
San Vittore — edition 2026
The 2026 San Vittore Patronal Festival was held in Verbania Intra from Wednesday, May 6th to Sunday, May 10th, with the highlight of the festivities on May 8th, the patron saint's day.
On the evening of May 8th, at 8:30 PM, the solemn Eucharistic Celebration in the Basilica of San Vittore was followed by the traditional procession and the blessing of the lake, imparted by the Bishop of Novara, Monsignor Franco Giulio Brambilla. At 10:00 PM, the pyrotechnic show on the Intra waterfront concluded the day. Civic honors were also awarded, including those to Daniele Menzio and the Casa della Resistenza.
Programme San Vittore 2026
Wednesday, May 6
- 7:00 PM — Opening of the kitchen in Piazzetta Fasana with Venetian-style pasta and beans; music with the group "Saluti da Intra"
Thursday, May 7
- 7:00 PM — Kitchen open for the "Giro delle Contrade" running event
Friday, May 8 — San Vittore
- 11:30 AM — Aperitif and blessing of the kitchen
- 12:15 PM — Risotto, scigull e luganiga
- 2:00 PM — Cutting and distribution of the VCO pastry chefs' cake
- 7:00 PM — Dinner with Pacian ragù paccheri
- 8:30 PM — Solemn Eucharistic Celebration in the Basilica of San Vittore, procession, and blessing of the lake with Bishop Franco Giulio Brambilla
- 10:00 PM — Pyrotechnic show on the Intra waterfront
Saturday, May 9
- 11:30 AM — Blessing of the bicycles (ahead of the Giro d'Italia)
- 12:15 PM — Pink Risotto
- 7:00 PM — Spaghetti alla chitarra with seafood
- Dance entertainment with RVL La Radio and guest Piero Pratesi
Sunday, May 10
- 11:15 AM — Polenta, tapelucco, and gorgonzola (closing of the festivities)
Pasta with ragù, pork chops, breaded cutlets, and mixed meat grills are available every day.
Highlights San Vittore 2026
- Blessing of the lake and procession with Bishop Franco Giulio Brambilla
- Pyrotechnic show on the Intra waterfront
- Presentation of civic honors
- Risotto, scigull e luganiga, and the VCO pastry chefs' cake
Prices San Vittore 2026
Practical information — San Vittore
Location
The festivities are concentrated in the Intra district of Verbania: the Basilica of San Vittore for religious celebrations, Piazzetta Giovanni Fasana for food stalls, and the Intra waterfront (port area) for the fireworks.
How to get there
Verbania can be reached by car via the A26 motorway (Verbania exit) and by train to the Verbania-Pallanza station, which is connected to Intra by local buses. Intra can also be reached by ferry from the main ports of Lake Maggiore.
Admission and costs
Access to religious rites, the procession, and the fireworks is free. The Pacian da Intra food stalls offer popular prices for individual purchases.
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Where does it take place — San Vittore
Basilica di San Vittore e lungolago di Intra
Basilica di San Vittore, Intra, 28921 Verbania