On March 20 and 21, 2026, one of Vieste's most heartfelt and spectacular events returns: the Fanoja di San Giuseppe, a popular festival that combines ancient rites, music, food, and entertainment.
The event, now in its 14th year, lights up the city with huge bonfires and two days of events between the Borgo Ottocentesco and Piazza Marina Piccola, attracting residents and visitors every year.
La Fanoja of San Giuseppe It's a deeply rooted tradition in the Gargano. The term comes from the local dialect and refers to the large bonfire lit in honor of Saint Joseph, a symbol of purification and the passage from winter to spring. Families, groups of friends, and onlookers gather around the fire to share folk music, traditional food, and moments of celebration.
Over the years, this custom has become a true festival in Vieste, celebrating local culture, transforming the town center into a huge open-air stage.
The program of the Fanoja Festival 2026
The 2026 edition will take place over two days packed with events, including folk shows, live music, guided tours, and artistic performances.
Friday 20th March – Borgo Ottocentesco
The day will begin at 10:00 a.m. with the setting up and demonstration of the bonfire with the schools. The food stands will open at 10:30 a.m., while cultural activities and shows are planned for the afternoon.
At 17:00 PM, the historic center will host the Pizzeche & Muzzeche International Folklore Group, the Lucera Flag-Wavers, the ManuCircus show, and stilt walkers.
The music will begin at 17:30 pm with the musical show by Uria, dedicated to the songs and sounds of the Mountain of the Sun.
The Just Cool Band will take the stage at 18:30 PM, while the symbolic moment of the event is scheduled for 19:00 PM: the lighting of the Fanoja in the Borgo Ottocentesco.
The evening will continue with a concert by Francesco Roccia at 20:00 PM and a DJ set by Zio Lele & Campix, which will close out the first day of celebrations.
Saturday 21th March – Piazza Marina Piccola
The second day of the event will move to the charming Piazza Marina Piccola, in the heart of Vieste's historic center.
At 10:15 the city will be animated by the Bassa Banda di Molfetta, followed by the opening of the stands at 10:15.
At 11:15 a.m., the folk group I Dragoni del Molise will parade, while at midday there will be a musical moment with a DJ set.
In the afternoon one of the most evocative events: the fire parade with the 'Ndocciata association of Agnone, the Sbandieratori of Lucera, the folk group and the stilt walkers, starting from Piazzale Manzoni at 5.30 pm.
At 19:30 pm, the Fanoja will be lit in Piazza Marina Piccola, followed by the start of the evening concerts.
Several artists from the Italian music scene will take to the stage:
• Ciccio Merolla from 7.45pm to 8.45pm
• South Folk from 21:00 pm to 22:00 pm
• Bundamove & Friends from 10pm to midnight
Mama Marjas, Puccia Apres La Classe, Antonio Castrignanò, and Sud Sound System will also perform during the evening, in a huge celebration of Southern Italian music.
The night will continue with a DJ set by Dave Flux until 00:30 am, followed once again by Zio Lele & Campix.
