Feast of Santa Maria 2024 program

The patronal feast of Santa Maria di Merino is one of the most awaited events of the year in Vieste, in Puglia. As always, the festival will culminate on May 9 with the procession of the statue of the Madonna, which will cross the streets of the town and then reach the Merino Sanctuary, while on May 10th there will be lots of fun with music and fireworks.

Feast of Santa Maria program 2024, Vieste

Vieste is preparing to celebrate the feast of Santa Maria di Merino with a rich and varied program that intertwines religious celebrations and civil shows. Here is the complete calendar of events:

30 April

10 hours: 00 – Enthronement of the Venerated Statue of the Blessed Virgin of Merino, Protectress of the City of Vieste followed by the Holy Mass.

From April 30th to May 8th

Every day at 18pm – Holy Mass and Novena in honor of the “Blessed Virgin of Merino”.

May 7

16 hours: 30 – Opening of the festival with the shooting of firecrackers and a tour of the city streets of the Banda Città di Vieste “P. Rinaldi".
17 hours: 00 – Parade of the Majorettes “RHYTHMS AND TAPES” on Corso Lorenzo Fazzini.
19 hours: 00 – Performance of the City of Vieste Folk group “Pizzeche e Muzzeche” in the Municipal Gardens.
21 hours: 00 – Gargano dessert festival in Piazza Marina Piccola with musical show “LE PEPITAS SHOW”.

May 8

08 hours: 00 – Tour of the town of the Banda Città di Vieste “G. Cariglia” and Città di Noci “G. Chielli".
11 hours: 30 – Holy Mass on the occasion of the feast of the Apparition of Saint Michael the Archangel on Mount Gargano.
15 hours: 00 – “EVERYONE ON BIKE” event organized by the Motoclub Gargano Vieste at the Pizzomunno roundabout.
17 hours: 30 – Tour of the town of Banda Città di Vieste, “P. Rinaldi” and Città di Noci “G. Chielli".
18 hours: 45 – First Vespers and Holy Mass celebrated by HE Mons. Franco Moscone.
19 hours: 00 – Performance of the City of Vieste Folk group “La Vestesene” in the Municipal Gardens.
21 hours: 00 – Symphonic Opera Musical Show City of Noci “G. Chielli” in Corso Fazzini Gardens.
21 hours: 30 – Descent of the Venerated Statue of the “Blessed Virgin of Merino”.

May 9

06 hours: 30 - 07: 15 – Two consecutive masses celebrated by HE Mons. Franco Moscone.
08 hours: 45 – Triumphal procession of the Venerated Statue of the “Blessed Virgin of Merino”.
10 hours: 00 – Continuation of the triumphal procession of the Simulacrum of Santa Maria di Merino towards her sanctuary.
13 hours: 00 – Holy Mass celebrated by the Archbishop in the open-air church of the Sanctuary.
19pm/00pm – Musical performance by the City of Vieste “P. RINALDI” and “G. Cariglia” on Corso L. Fazzini.
23 hours: 00 – Return of the Protectress Santa Maria di Merino with fireworks at Marina Piccola.

May 10

09 hours: 30 – Tour of the Banda town: City of Vieste “G. Cariglia”.
10 hours: 00 – Holy Mass with reposition of the Venerated Statue in the City chapel.
11 hours: 30 – Return procession of the simulacra of Sant'Antonio da Padova and San Giuseppe towards the rectory church of San Francesco.
17 hours: 00 – Performance Lorenzo Fazzini course: Junior Conturband of Turi (BA).
19 hours: 30 – Show Dance of the Majorettes “RHYTHMS AND TAPES” in the Corso Fazzini Gardens.
21 hours: 30 – Grand Concert “FROM THE FOUNDER RENZO ARBORE TO US THE NEW ITALIAN ORCHESTRA” at the Rotonda Marina Piccola.
24 hours: 00 – Closing of the party with a fireworks display at the pier of the Tourist Port, organized by the company “Nuova Pirotecnica Padre Pio” of San Severo (FG).

Don't miss the opportunity to experience the magical atmosphere of the Santa Maria di Merino festival. In addition to the scheduled events, the streets of Vieste will be animated by colorful stalls, rides for adults and children, and a contagious spirit of joy. A unique opportunity to immerse yourself in moments of deep faith and traditional folklore. Come and share the joy of this celebration with us!