La Feast of Santa Maria di Merino is one of the most anticipated events of the year in Vieste, a moment of great devotion and spectacle that attracts faithful and visitors from all over Italy. With its culmination in the 9st May, the festival combines religious worship and popular folklore, with a series of events that take place over several days, transforming the city into a stage of emotions, colors and centuries-old traditions.
Program of the Feast of Santa Maria di Merino 2025
The festival calendar is divided into several days, combining religious events and entertainment shows.
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From April 30th to May 8th: Novena and Spiritual Preparation
- Every evening, at the Cathedral of Vieste, Will host the Novena in honor of the Blessed Virgin of Merino, with Holy Mass at 18:45.
May 7: Opening of the Festival
- 16 hours: 30 – Official opening with firecrackers and a tour of the city streets by the band City of Vieste “G. Cariglia”.
- 17 hours: 30 – Animation and entertainment with “Party with Gheghé” a Marina Piccola.
- 19 hours: 00 – Lighting of the lights by the company “Carlone Lighting Srl” of Lucera and performance of the folk group “The Vestesene” in Municipal Gardens.
- 21 hours: 00 - “Art and Taste” in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, With the Gargano Sweet Festival and followed by a musical show “Io Canto Generation” and “The Voice Kids”.
May 8: Eve of the Feast
- 08 hours: 00 – Tour of the bands City of Vieste “P. Rinaldi” e City of Vieste “G. Cariglia”.
- 15 hours: 00 – Motorcycle rally “Everyone on a Bike” organized by the Motoclub Gargano Vieste, with a route up to Pizzomunno.
- 17 hours: 30 – New appointment with “Party with Gheghé” a Marina Piccola.
- 21 hours: 00 - Performance of the musical bands City of Vieste “G. Cariglia” e City of Vieste “P. Rinaldi” in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele.
- 21 hours: 30 - Descent of the Statue of the Blessed Virgin of Merino from the Cathedral, in preparation for the great procession.
May 9: The Solemn Day
- 06 hours: 30 – Holy Mass in the Cathedral.
- 07 hours: 15 – Celebration presided over by Archbishop Mons. Franco Moscone.
- 07 hours: 30 – Tour of the musical bands City of Vieste “P. Rinaldi” e City of Vieste “G. Cariglia” through the city streets.
- 08 hours: 45 - Procession of the Statue of the Blessed Virgin of Merino, from the Cathedral to the Sanctuary.
- 19 hours: 00-21: 30 - L. Fazzini Course, band performance City of Vieste “P. Rinaldi” e City of Vieste “G. Cariglia”.
- 23 hours: 00 - Return of the Protector Saint Mary of Merino with a fireworks display at Marina Piccola.
May 10: Shows and Folklore
- 09 hours: 30 – Band tour City of Vieste “P. Rinaldi” for the town.
- 17 hours: 00 – Performance of the Amaseno Band lungo Lorenzo Fazzini Course.
- 19 hours: 00 – Folk group performance “Pizzeche & Muzzeche” in Municipal Gardens.
- 21 hours: 30 - Uccio De Santis with the show “I don't know what to do first”, At the Small Marine Roundabout.
- 24 hours: 00 - Fireworks Show by the “New Padre Pio Pyrotechnics”.
May 11: Closing of the Festival
- 17 hours: 15 - “Drum Kids Start”, musical show for children in L. Fazzini Course.
- 21 hours: 30 - “Drum Kids Night”, with the teacher Francis Rock.
The patronal feast of Santa Maria
Devotion to Santa Maria de Merino, protector of Vieste, has its roots in the past. The statue of the Virgin, kept in the Cathedral of Vieste, is carried in procession with great solemnity, along the streets of the city until the Sanctuary of Santa Maria di Merino, located about 7 km from the center. The highlight of the festival is precisely this procession, which involves thousands of people in a journey of prayer and meditation.
This celebration represents the authentic soul of Vieste: a fusion of faith, tradition and entertainment that every year thrills and involves the entire community and visitors.
Do not lose the Feast of Santa Maria di Merino 2025, an unmissable event that makes Vieste even more magical!
