La St. George's Day It's one of the most anticipated events of the year in Vieste. Every April 23rd, the town celebrates its patron saint with a combination of religious events and folk festivities that engage the entire community and attract numerous visitors. The 2026 program promises to be packed with events combining tradition, entertainment, and devotion.
The Program of the Feast of San Giorgio 2026 in Vieste
Religious Program
- 14th April
- 18:45 PM: Enthronement, solemn celebration, and novena in honor of the Patron Saint George.
- From the 14 21 April
- 19:00 PM: Holy Mass and novena in honor of the Patron Saint George.
- 22 April
- 18:45 pm: Stationary Mass presided over by Archbishop Father Franco Moscone.
- 23th April
- 9:00 am and 19:00 pm: Holy Masses in the Cathedral Basilica with the participation of the Festivities Committee.
- 10:00 a.m.: Procession of the statue from the Cathedral Basilica, presided over by Archbishop Father Franco Moscone, with the participation of the Chapter and priests.
- 11:00 a.m.: Arrival of the procession at the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie with fireworks display.
- 12:00 PM: Return of the procession and fireworks display at Marina Piccola.
Civil Program for the Feast of San Giorgio in Vieste
- 22th April
- 17:00 PM: The festival opens with a firecracker display and a tour of the town by the Vieste City Bands "G. Cariglia" and "P. Rinaldi" and the Conversano City Band "G. Ligonzo."
- 21:00 PM: Villa Comunale, Corso L. Fazzini – Grand Concert by the “G. Ligonzo” Wind Orchestra of the City of Conversano, conducted by Maestro Angelo Schirinzi.
- 23:00 PM: “Magie di Luce” – Dancing fountain show with water and light displays in Marina Piccola.
- 23th April
- 7:30 a.m.: Firecrackers will be fired and the “P. Rinaldi” and “G. Cariglia” bands of the Città di Vieste will take a tour of the town.
- 11:30 a.m.: Piazza Santa Maria delle Grazie – “Frittata Festival” hosted by the Gargano and Capitanata Chefs Association, with wine provided by Cantine Cimaglia.
- 18:00 pm: Traditional Horse Race on Castello Beach (Lungomare E. Mattei).
- 21:45 PM: Mogol and Gianmarco Carroccia "Emotions" – a journey through the songs of Lucio Battisti and Mogol, in Marina Piccola.
- 24:00 AM: The festival concludes with a fireworks display at the tourist pier.
Feast of San Giorgio: Between Devotion and Tradition 
Each year, Vieste renews its connection with its patron saint, Saint George, through celebrations that unite faith and popular identity. The heart of the festival remains the procession on April 23rd, one of the community's most heartfelt moments, which passes through the historic center amidst songs, prayers, and ever-increasing participation.
Alongside the religious rites, the festival is enriched with civic events that transform Vieste into a vast open-air stage. Band concerts, light shows, culinary traditions, and historic events like the Horse Race make these days an authentic experience, capable of engaging all generations.
Particularly awaited is the Omelette Festival, a symbol of local conviviality, as well as the evening shows in Marina Piccola, culminating in fireworks over the sea, one of the most evocative moments of the entire festival.
An Unmissable Festival in Vieste
The 2026 Feast of San Giorgio is the perfect opportunity to experience Vieste during a special time of year, a time of spring and tradition. This event combines spirituality, culture, and entertainment, showcasing the authentic soul of the Gargano.
If you're in the area in April, attending this festival means delving into the heart of Vieste's traditions and enjoying a unique experience, steeped in emotion, history, and community.
