Festa di San Giovanni Battista 2026 — Riomaggiore & Monterosso Celebrate the Cinque Terre’s Most Magical Night

On the night of June 23–24, 2026, two of the Cinque Terre’s most enchanting villages—Riomaggiore and Monterosso al Mare—light up for the Festa di San Giovanni Battista, their shared patron saint. It’s a night when ancient devotion meets the elemental beauty of the Ligurian coast: candlelit processions, bonfires on the beach, and a feast that draws visitors from across the region.

Two Villages, One Saint — Two Distinct Celebrations

San Giovanni Battista (St. John the Baptist) is the patron of both Riomaggiore, the southernmost Cinque Terre village, and Monterosso al Mare, the largest and northernmost. While they share the same heavenly protector, each village brings its own character to the festivities.

In Riomaggiore, the celebration centers on the parish church of San Giovanni Battista (built 1340), perched above the historic marina. The highlight is the evening procession on June 23, when villagers carry the saint’s statue through the steep carruggi (alleyways) lit by hundreds of candles. The procession ends at the small harbor, where a bonfire is lit on the rocks — flames reflected in the Mediterranean as music plays late into the night. Traditional dishes include the local torta di riso salata, a savory rice cake prepared specially for the feast.

In Monterosso al Mare, the celebrations are larger in scale. The Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista (13th century) in the historic centro storico hosts a solemn mass, followed by a lively procession through the old town and along the waterfront. Monterosso’s beachfront location means the bonfire tradition takes on a spectacular seaside dimension, with gatherings on both the Fegina and old town beaches. The feast spills over into a village-wide celebration with food stalls, live music, and the famous Monterosso limoncino.

Practical Tips for Visitors

• Getting there: Both villages are on the Cinque Terre train line (La Spezia–Levanto). Trains run late on festival night, but check the last departure.
• Where to stay: Book accommodation well in advance — the feast draws a significant crowd. Monterosso has the most hotel options; Riomaggiore has more B&Bs and affittacamere.
• What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes for the steep carruggi, a light jacket for the sea breeze, and a camera — the candlelight on the harbor is unforgettable.
• Combine with: Arrive early to hike the Via dell’Amore (if reopened) or explore the other Cinque Terre villages before the evening celebrations begin.

Whether you choose Riomaggiore’s intimate candlelit magic or Monterosso’s bigger seaside party — or better yet, experience both — the Festa di San Giovanni is one of the Cinque Terre’s most authentic and unforgettable summer nights.