Events and Traditional Festivals Along the Riviera di Levante

The Riviera di Levante, besides being a destination of great natural charm, is also the beating heart of numerous cultural traditions and festivities. Throughout the year, along the coast and in the inland villages, events celebrate the history, religion, gastronomy, and folklore of Liguria. These festivals offer visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in local heritage and discover an authentic side of the region. Here are some of the most significant events not to be missed.

Feast of San Giorgio in Portofino

Portofino, famous for its beauty and glamour, celebrates its patron saint, San Giorgio, every year on April 23. This festivity features religious celebrations and a procession that winds through the picturesque streets of the village, with the statue of the saint carried on the shoulders of the faithful. The feast culminates in fireworks over the sea, illuminating Portofino’s bay and creating a magical atmosphere. It’s a perfect occasion to discover the more traditional side of this famous village.

Fish Festival in Camogli

One of the most famous gastronomic events of the Riviera di Levante is the Fish Festival in Camogli, held every year on the second Sunday of May. This celebration pays tribute to the maritime tradition of the village and attracts thousands of visitors. The heart of the festival is a gigantic frying pan, 4 meters in diameter, in which tons of fresh fish are fried and distributed for free to attendees. The event is accompanied by markets, live music, and fireworks, offering a unique culinary and cultural experience.

Saint Anthony Fair in Sestri Levante

In January, the village of Sestri Levante hosts the traditional Saint Anthony Fair, one of the oldest fairs in Liguria. The event, which takes place around January 17, is an opportunity to discover local products, including cheeses, honey, cured meats, and handicrafts. During the fair, there is also a blessing of the animals, a tradition linked to the patron saint of livestock. The fair is an ideal opportunity to immerse yourself in peasant culture and discover the region’s typical flavors.

Feast of the White Madonna in Portovenere

The village of Portovenere, one of the jewels of the Riviera di Levante, celebrates the Feast of the White Madonna every year on August 17. This evocative religious festival commemorates the miracle that occurred in 1399, when an icon of the Madonna is said to have saved the city from the plague. The celebration features a solemn nighttime procession during which the village is illuminated by thousands of lights and torches. The atmosphere is unique, with the sea reflecting the lights and the prayers of the faithful echoing through the ancient walls.

Feast of Christ of the Abyss in San Fruttuoso

A unique and evocative event is the Feast of Christ of the Abyss, held every year on July 29 in San Fruttuoso, near Portofino. The feast celebrates the underwater statue of Christ of the Abyss, located 17 meters deep, which was placed there in 1954 in memory of all those who lost their lives at sea. During the festival, a group of divers lays a laurel wreath at the statue’s feet while participants observe from the surface. The evening concludes with a mass and a candlelit procession.

Patronal Festivals in Moneglia

Moneglia, one of the most charming villages of the Riviera di Levante, also celebrates its traditions with patronal festivals dedicated to San Giorgio and Santa Croce. The Feast of San Giorgio, the patron saint of the village, is held on April 23, while the Feast of Santa Croce takes place in May. Both events feature religious processions, fireworks, and moments of conviviality in the village squares, with markets and food stalls.