Sant'Ermete Festival – Sant'Ermete Fair
The patron saint's feast and the historic late-August fair in Forte dei Marmi
About Sant'Ermete
The patron saint's festival of Forte dei Marmi
The Sant'Ermete Festival is the most cherished moment of the summer in Forte dei Marmi, in the province of Lucca, Tuscany. Sant'Ermete is the patron saint of this Versilian town, and his feast day, held on August 28th, marks the symbolic end of the beach season and a time for the community to reconnect with its roots. For three days, the town comes alive with a blend of religious celebrations, folk rituals, and festivities that involve both residents and visitors.
Faith and tradition
The religious heart of the festival is the historical-religious procession that winds through the center: starting from Piazza Dante, confraternities, associations, bands, and folk groups accompany the saint's relics to the Church of Sant'Ermete. The Solemn Holy Mass and the traditional presentation of the "Amico di Forte dei Marmi" award are other highly anticipated events for the local community.
The Focata and the fair
Among the most evocative rituals is the Sant'Ermete Focata, an ancient bonfire lit in Piazza Garibaldi to the sound of the town band, which precedes the traditional tombola. The highlight is August 28th, when the streets of the center fill up from the early morning for the grand Sant'Ermete Fair, featuring food and wine stalls, handicrafts, clothing, and famous local Versilian sweets like torrone and brigidini. The day concludes with a fireworks display launched from the pier, with the lights reflecting over the sea.
An event for all of Versilia
More than just a patronal feast, Sant'Ermete is an occasion that draws visitors from across Versilia and beyond, successfully bridging the spiritual and the social. Strolling through the fair stalls, watching the Focata, or admiring the fireworks from the pier are experiences that reveal the authentic soul of Forte dei Marmi, far beyond the polished image of its beaches and boutiques.
Sant'Ermete — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Sant'Ermete Festival is scheduled from August 26th to 28th in Forte dei Marmi, with the main day being August 28th, the patron saint's feast day. The festival follows the traditional structure: the historical-religious procession with the saint's relics, the Focata accompanied by the town band, the tombola, the large fair along the streets of the center, and the final fireworks display over the sea.
The detailed program with times and appointments will be published by the Municipality and the Villa Bertelli Foundation in the weeks leading up to the event.
Programme Sant'Ermete 2026
The detailed program for the 2026 edition will be published by the Municipality of Forte dei Marmi in the weeks prior to the festival. The event follows a consolidated three-day structure every year:
August 26 — Historical-religious procession
- In the evening: historical-religious procession with the saint's relics, from Piazza Dante to the Church of Sant'Ermete, with confraternities, associations, bands, and folk groups.
August 27 — The Focata and the tombola
- Morning: Forte Market in Piazza Marconi.
- Evening: free concert in Piazzetta Tonini (organized by the Villa Bertelli Foundation).
- Blessing of the town from the church parvis, followed by the Sant'Ermete Focata in Piazza Garibaldi and the traditional tombola.
August 28 — The Fair and the fireworks
- From 7:00 AM: Sant'Ermete Fair in the town center, with food and wine, craft, and clothing stalls.
- Solemn Holy Mass and presentation of the "Amico di Forte dei Marmi" award.
- 10:00 PM: fireworks display from the pier.
The times indicated reflect those of recent editions and will be confirmed in the official 2026 program.
Highlights Sant'Ermete 2026
Prices Sant'Ermete 2026
Practical information — Sant'Ermete
How to get there
By train: Forte dei Marmi-Seravezza-Querceta station on the Genoa-Pisa line, a few kilometers from the center (bus or taxi connections available). By car: take the Versilia exit on the A11/A12 motorway, then follow signs for Forte dei Marmi. By plane: Pisa and Florence airports.
When
The festival traditionally takes place from August 26th to 28th, with the main day being August 28th (the patron saint's feast day).
Costs and tips
Festival events (procession, Focata, fair, fireworks) are free to attend. During the high season, it is recommended to book accommodation well in advance and to reach the town center on foot or by bicycle due to traffic restrictions on the main days.
Information
Forte dei Marmi Tourist Information Office, tel. +39 0584 280292, e-mail [email protected].
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Where does it take place — Sant'Ermete
Centro cittadino e Chiesa di Sant'Ermete