Every year, Vieste renews its most authentic soul through the patronal festivals that mark the spring and summer months. These are not just religious events, but events that unite spirituality and popular belonging, culture and folklore, in an atmosphere that involves the entire community and numerous visitors. The main celebrations dedicated to Santa Maria de Merino, St. George, St. Anthony e Stella Maris They tell stories of ancient faith, popular legends and traditions that have been handed down for centuries, transforming Vieste into a true stage of emotions.
Santa Maria di Merino: the mother of all Viestani in the world
The Feast of Santa Maria de Merino, protector of the city, is perhaps the deepest expression of the identity of Vieste. The wooden statue of the Madonna, according to legend, was found by two fishermen on the beach of Scialmarino, in the place where today stands the sanctuary that bears her name. Every 9th May, thousands of faithful accompany her in a long and evocative procession from Cathedral of Vieste al sanctuary of ancient Merinum, crossing fields and beaches among prayers, songs and emotion.
The following day, with lights, concerts, parades of musical bands and fireworks, they become an occasion of collective celebration that unites all generations. See the program of Santa Maria 2025.
Saint George: the knight between faith and legend – April 23
Saint George, co-patron of the city together with the Virgin of Merino, is celebrated every 23rd April. His figure, linked to the ancient legend of the pierced dragon, represents the symbol of courage and the fight against evil. The equestrian statue of the Saint, carried in procession through the city streets, depicts Saint George in the act of killing the dragon, a powerful and protective image for the entire community.
The festival is enriched by elements of great charm such as the horse race on the beach Castello, historical and symbolic re-enactment of the iconography of the Holy Knight, and the omelette festival, linked to the symbolism of eggs in spring. The program culminates with a fireworks display and concerts in Piazza del Fosso, while the city is colored with flags and devotion. Watch the program of the feast of San Giorgio 2025.
Saint Anthony of Padua: The Wonderworker of the People – June 13
The Feast of Saint Anthony of Padua is one of the most heartfelt in Vieste. The celebrations begin at the end of May with the enthronement of the statue and the traditional “Tredicina”, a cycle of prayers that involves the entire community. June 13, the key day, is marked by the distribution of blessed bread, from Popular Holy Masses and solemn procession of the simulacrum, followed by a large fireworks display in Marina Piccola. See the program of the festival Saint Anthony 2025.
Stella Maris: the Madonna del Mare and the rite of the procession by boat – September 
The evocative festival of opens the month of September Holy Mary Star of the Sea, the “Madonna del Mare”. The central moment of this celebration is the boat procession, during which the statue of the Virgin is carried out to sea to the lighthouse of Vieste, followed by a long trail of decorated boats. A rite of intense spirituality that celebrates the indissoluble bond between Vieste and its sea, according to ancient traditions.
The blessing of the waters, with songs, sirens and waving flags, becomes a symbol of protection for fishermen and all those who live from the sea. The celebration continues with musical performances, moments of aggregation and the traditional fireworks display on the pier.
A city that celebrates its origins
The patronal festivals of Vieste are not simple religious events: they are the soul of the city that expresses itself through faith, collective memory and sharing. They are an invitation to get to know a community tied to its roots, that knows how to welcome and involve, transforming each celebration into a story of identity, between history, legend and modernity.
Taking part in these events is a way to discover the true essence of Gargano, experiencing authentic emotions among the sounds of the band, the scents of festivals and lights that light up the sky above Vieste.
