Spring Festival
The bonfire on the beach and the friscêu welcoming the arrival of the good season
About Spring Festival
A Tradition to Welcome the Good Season
Now in its sixty-first edition, the Spring Festival in Santa Margherita Ligure (Province of Genoa) is one of the most deeply rooted events in the Tigullio. For three days, between the end of March, the seaside town celebrates the arrival of spring with a program that blends popular rites, music, and festive moments along the sea.
The Bonfire and Friscêu, Heart of the Festival
The most anticipated moments remain the most traditional: the large bonfire on Ghiaia Beach, lit at dusk, and the free distribution of friscêu, the sweet and savory fritters that are a symbol of Ligurian cuisine. The backdrop includes fireworks over the sea, managed by the Antiga Sparata di San Lorenzo, and firecrackers accompanying the traditional masks Tunin and Manena.
Bands, Orchestras, and Folk Music
The soundtrack to the festival is provided by the Folkloristic Band, the "Cristoforo Colombo" Philharmonic, and concerts by the group I Trilli with Franca Lai, historic voices of Genoese song. Organized by the Spring Festival Committee with the support of the Liguria Region and the Metropolitan City of Genoa, the event is a perfect opportunity to discover the popular identity of this corner of the Riviera.
Spring Festival — edition 2026
The 61st edition of the Spring Festival enlivens Santa Margherita Ligure from March 20 to 22, 2026. Organized by the Spring Festival Committee, it offers three days of events including the investiture of the masks, the bonfire on Ghiaia Beach, the fireworks by Antiga Sparata di San Lorenzo, and the free distribution of friscêu, with music from the Folkloristic Band, the "Cristoforo Colombo" Philharmonic, and I Trilli with Franca Lai.
Programme Spring Festival 2026
Friday, March 20
- 8:30 PM — Investiture ceremony at the Santa Margherita Auditorium, followed by dancing with the Caravel Orchestra
Saturday, March 21
- 11:00 AM — Firecracker shots for the traditional masks Tunin and Manena
- 8:45 PM — The Folkloristic Band parades through the town streets
- Evening — Fireworks display and lighting of the bonfire on Ghiaia Beach; entertainment with DJ Guru
Sunday, March 22
- 11:00 AM — Concert by the "Cristoforo Colombo" Philharmonic
- 3:00 PM — Free distribution of friscêu (sweet and savory) with music by Franca Lai and the group I Trilli
Highlights Spring Festival 2026
Prices Spring Festival 2026
Practical information — Spring Festival
How to Get There
By train: Santa Margherita Ligure station on the Genoa–La Spezia line. By car: A12 motorway, Rapallo exit, then state road towards Santa Margherita. Events are concentrated on Ghiaia Beach and in the town center.
Admission
Free admission events; free distribution of friscêu. In case of bad weather, recovery dates are March 28-29.
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Where does it take place — Spring Festival
Spiaggia Ghiaia e centro di Santa Margherita Ligure
Spiaggia Ghiaia, 16038 Santa Margherita Ligure