If you’re in Italy in late June, chances are you’ll hear about Festa di San Giovanni 2026. Celebrated on 24 June, Saint John the Baptist’s feast day marks one of the most important patron saint festivals in several Italian cities.
Part religious solemnity, part historic pageantry and part summer street celebration, San Giovanni blends medieval ritual with concerts, processions, bonfires and fireworks.
What is the San Giovanni Festival?
San Giovanni honours Saint John the Baptist, patron saint of Florence, Torino and Genova, among others. Florence began celebrating him as far back as the 13th century, and the tradition continues each year.
While the festival has clear religious roots, it also marks the summer solstice period, and many customs reflect older folk beliefs tied to fire, water and renewal. Today, celebrations typically include official ceremonies, historic parades, concerts and major firework displays.
San Giovanni Festival 2026: key dates and events
Although 24 June is the official feast day, most cities host several days of celebrations leading up to it.
Sesto San Giovanni, Milan – 30 May–24 June 2026
Events begin on 30 May 2026 at Villa Mylius and continue with book presentations, concerts, cultural events and civic ceremonies throughout June. Highlights include concerts in Piazza Petazzi and Piazza Oldrini, the Fiera dei Mercanti on 21 June, and a Total White Party on 24 June.
The religious celebration includes Holy Mass on 24 June at 21:00, while the Torneo San Giovanni 2026 runs from 30 May to 28 June.
Florence – 13–14 and 24 June 2026
Florence holds one of the most historic San Giovanni celebrations in Italy.
The famous Calcio Storico Fiorentino tournament takes centre stage, with semifinals on Saturday 13 June and Sunday 14 June at 18:00 in Piazza Santa Croce. Tickets for the semifinals go on sale online via Ticketone from 11 June.
On 24 June 2026, the city marks the feast day with Holy Mass at 10:30 in the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, followed by the traditional Ceremony of the Offering of the Candles.
The final of Calcio Storico takes place at 18:00, and at 22:00 the “Fochi di San Giovanni” fireworks display lights up the river Arno.
Torino – 19–24 June 2026
Turin celebrates its patron saint with a packed civic programme. The city hosts concerts, historical reenactments, parades and regattas on the River Po, spreading events across both the historic centre and neighbourhood districts.
The celebrations culminate on the evening of 24 June, when a large fireworks display takes place at 23:00. Torino’s programme blends spirituality and public celebration, giving the festival a distinctly civic feel.
Lake Como
20th-29th June
Around Lake Como, the Sagra di San Giovanni in Ossuccio is one of the most atmospheric versions of the festival.
On Saturday 27 June 2026, the evening begins at 19:00 in the municipal park in Ossuccio with food and dancing. At 22:30, the traditional fireworks and musical display recreate the historic burning of Isola Comacina, with the Zoca de L’Oli illuminated in lights and colour.
This lakeside re-enactment is one of the most visually striking San Giovanni events in northern Italy.
Genova – 23–24 June 2026
In Genova, celebrations run 23–24 June 2026 and centre on the Notte di San Giovanni.
On the evening of 23 June, Piazza Matteotti hosts the traditional Falò di San Giovanni, a large bonfire symbolising purification and renewal. A themed Ghost Tour through the historic centre also takes place, exploring local legends and darker folklore.
On 24 June, the religious solemnity begins with Mass, followed by the Archbishop’s address and Vespers. A solemn procession featuring the historic confraternities proceeds through the old town to Porto Antico for the Blessing of the Sea and the City.
San Giovanni traditions across Italy
Beyond official programmes, San Giovanni is still shaped by long-standing customs.
Acqua di San Giovanni
On the night of 23 June, wild herbs and flowers are left to soak in water outdoors. By dawn on 24 June, the dew is believed to have infused the water with protective properties, and people wash with it for health and good fortune.
Barca di San Giovanni
A bowl of water with egg white left overnight forms delicate shapes by morning. These are interpreted symbolically, often read as signs for the year ahead.
Nocino
In Emilia-Romagna, 24 unripe walnuts are traditionally picked on the night of San Giovanni to begin infusing nocino, a dark walnut liqueur.
Lumache alla Romana
In Rome, especially around the San Giovanni neighbourhood, snails stewed with tomato and mint are traditionally eaten during the feast. Their spiral shells are symbolically linked to protection and the warding off of misfortune.
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