La St. George's Day is one of the most anticipated events of the year in Vieste. Every April 23, the city celebrates its patron saint with a combination of religious moments and popular celebrations, which involve the entire community and attract numerous visitors. Also in 2025, the program includes solemn ceremonies, folkloristic shows, musical events and the suggestive fireworks display that closes the festival.
The Program of the Feast of San Giorgio 2025 in Vieste
- 21th April – 18pm: Enthronement of the statue of St. George and novena.
- 22th April
- 8:00 am and 17:00 pm: Tour of the Great Bands of Vieste.
- 19:00 pm: Stationary Mass presided over by Archbishop Father Franco Moscone.
- 21 hours: 00: Hot Air Balloon Show.
- 22 pm: Musical show rhythm 90 with Lele Sarallo and DJ Bibi Gismondi.
- 23th April
- 7:00 am: Firecrackers fired.
- 9:00 am and 19:00 pm: Holy Masses in the Cathedral Basilica.
- 10:00 am: Solemn procession of the statue through the streets of the city, with the launch of the Big Hot Air Balloon and fireworks display in Marina Piccola.
- 11 hours: 30: Omelette Festival in Santa Maria delle Grazie Square.
- 17:00 pm: Parade of the flag-wavers and musicians of Federico Puer Apuliae.
- 18 hours: 00: Horse Race on Castello beach.
- 21pm: Concert by Danilo Sacco (Guilty Tour) in Marina Piccola.
- 24:00 am: Fireworks display at the tourist pier.
Feast of San Giorgio: Between Devotion and Tradition
Every year, Vieste celebrates with great enthusiasm the Feast of San Giorgio, the patron saint of the city. This event, eagerly awaited by the people of Vieste and visitors, combines faith, tradition and entertainment, transforming the city into a stage for solemn celebrations and moments of pure celebration. Also for 2025, the program promises to be full of religious and civil events, capable of involving the entire community.
The celebrations begin on April 21 with the enthronement of the statue of Saint George and a solemn celebration in his honor, accompanied by the novena. On April 22, the Stationary Mass will be presided over by Archbishop Father Franco Moscone, a moment of profound spirituality that attracts numerous faithful.
April 23 is the heart of the religious celebration, with Holy Masses in the Cathedral Basilica at 9:00 and 19:00. Following this, at 10:00, one of the most heartfelt traditions takes place: the procession of the simulacrum of the Saint, led by the Archbishop and accompanied by the local clergy. The procession passes through the streets of the historic center of Vieste, amidst songs and prayers, until reaching the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, where the evocative launch of the “Gran Mongolfiera” and the fireworks display in honor of the Saint take place.
The procession's return, scheduled for midday, is accompanied by a fireworks display at Marina Piccola, the symbolic location of the festival.
The celebrations are not only religious, but also an opportunity for moments of aggregation and fun. On April 22, the day opens at 8:00 with the tour of the city of the Gran Complessi Bandistici di Vieste, who return to perform in the afternoon at 17:00. In the evening, the event lights up with the “Hot-Air Balloon Show” and the musical show “RITMO 90” with Lele Sarallo and DJ Bibi Gismondi.
On April 23, the day is marked by unmissable events: at 7:00 the traditional firing of firecrackers marks the beginning of the celebrations, followed at 11:30 by the Omelette Festival, a gastronomic event that celebrates the authentic flavors of Gargano. In the afternoon, at 17:00 pm, the parade of flag-wavers and musicians from Federicia takes place “APULIAN CHILD” of the City of Lucera, an exhibition of great historical charm.
Another highly anticipated event is the Horse Race, which takes place at 18:00 pm at Castello beach. This competition recalls the ancient equestrian tradition linked to the figure of Saint George, who has always been depicted on horseback. In the evening, at 21:45 pm, the concert of Danilo Sacco of the “Colpevole Tour” will liven up Marina Piccola, followed at midnight by the unmissable fireworks display that will light up the sky above the tourist pier.
An Unmissable Celebration Between Faith and Folklore
The Feast of San Giorgio in Vieste is a unique opportunity to experience the city in its most authentic essence. The perfect mix of religiosity, tradition and entertainment makes it an unmissable event for both Vieste residents and tourists. If you are in the area in April, do not miss the opportunity to participate in this extraordinary celebration!
