La Feast of Santa Maria di Merino It's one of Vieste's most cherished events. Every year, it combines devotion, tradition, and moments of popular celebration, with religious celebrations, bands, illuminations, and performances that enliven the town. Here's the full program for the 2026 festival.
Feast of Santa Maria 2026 program
Civil program
7st May
16.30pm Opening of the festival with firecrackers and a tour of the town by the band City of Vieste “P. Rinaldi”
19.00 pm Lighting of the lights by the company “Carlon Lighting” from Lucera (FG)
21.00 Taste Area In Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, a festival of the typical Vieste sweet "Scarteddate" and "Anchovies" organized by IPEOA and the Vieste Chefs Association, with a musical and dance show.Tarantella Live”, performance of the Tequila & Montepulciano Band
8st May
08.00pm Tour of the bands' town City of Vieste e City of Rutigliano (BA)
11.00 am Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, band matinee City of Rutigliano (BA), M° C. Cellamaro
15.00 pm The Gargano Vieste Motorcycle Club “Everyone on Bikes" at the Pizzomunno roundabout
17.30pm Tour of the bands' town City of Vieste e City of Rutigliano (BA)
21.00 pm Piazza Mercato, lyrical-symphonic repertoire of the band City of Rutigliano (BA) directed by Maestro Gaetano Cellamaro
9st May
07.30pm Tour of the bands' town City of Vieste “G. Cariglia” e City of Vieste “P. Rinaldi”
7:30 pm Corso L. Fazzini, bands City of Vieste “G. Cariglia” e City of Vieste “P. Rinaldi”
11:00 PM Return of the Patron Saint Maria di Merino with fireworks at Marina Piccola
10st May
09.30am Tour of the band's town City of Vieste “G. Cariglia”
6:00 PM Corso L. Fazzini, tour of the town “Young Marching Band” from Turi-Noicattaro (BA)
7:30 p.m., Municipal Gardens, lyric-symphonic concert by the City of Vieste “Pizziche & Muzziche”
21.30pm Rotonda Marina Piccola, Show of Santino Caravella and music with Wishes
12:00 am The festival concludes with a fireworks display at the tourist pier.
Religious program
30th April
18.00 pm Enthronement of the Venerated Statue of Santa Maria di Merino, Patron Saint of the city of Vieste, followed by Holy Mass
From April 30th to May 8th
6:45 PM Novena in honor of the Blessed Virgin of Merino
8st May
11:30 am Capitular Mass
6:45 PM First Vespers. Stationary Mass presided over by Monsignor Franco Moscone with the Most Reverend Capitular Priests, the city clergy, seminarians, and the participation of civil and military authorities.
9st May
06.30 am Holy Mass
7:15 a.m. Holy Mass celebrated by His Excellency Monsignor Franco Moscone, Archbishop
8:45 a.m. Procession of the Venerated Statue of the Blessed Virgin of Merino presided over by Archbishop Franco Moscone and the Cathedral Chapter
11:30 am Capitular Mass
24.00 pm Return of the Venerated Statue and Solemn Coronation
10st May
11:30 a.m. Holy Mass followed by the reposition of the Venerated Statue
7:30 AM / 9:30 AM / 6:45 PM Holy Masses in the Novena
11:30 a.m. Capitular Mass (holidays)
Vieste's 2026 Feast of Santa Maria: Why You Should Experience It
La Feast of Santa Maria Vieste 2026 It's one of the most beautiful times to experience the city's faith, tradition, and folk atmosphere. During these days, Vieste transforms, with marching bands, illuminations, processions, and evening shows by the sea. For those visiting the Gargano in May, it's a perfect opportunity to discover the city's most authentic side.
