In reading Rick Stevens 'snapshot' of the Cinque Terre I discovered that our last night in Vernazza, July 20th is a festival with fireworks for patron saint, St. Margaret. I am so excited because we are staying at the top of town with a terrace. Has anyone been there for that festival? I'd like to know what else to expect.
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Mpls, MN
1005 posts
We spent 4 nights in Vernazza (arriving here on the 18th)last July and had amazing weather the entire time--beautiful blue skies, cool enough at night that we put on light jackets! We were here during the patron saint celebration and it was great fun! On Sunday night, July 19, there was a stage set up in the square with entertainment starting around 10 p.m. and lasting till around midnight. All the locals were there and little kids dancing up by the stage. The next day, Mon., July 20, we took the boat to Portovenere and arrived back in Vernazza around 3 p.m. to the square full of children with organized games for them. Early evening, around dusk, there was a procession, which I believe started at the church on the harbor and went up the main drag. Am not sure exactly where it ended (possibly a cemetery?) as we did not follow it all the way. The fireworks started at 11 p.m. and they were beautiful! We stood near Bar Baia Saracena on the water. Both Sun. and Mon. after the evening activities the locals spent time in the square visiting with each other. I think you will enjoy being here during this celebration! This was our 3rd visit to the C.T. and we love staying in Vernazza! Buon Viaggio!