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FESTIVAL DI SAN ROCCO
Patron Saint FestivalAugust

FESTIVAL DI SAN ROCCO

location_onAltare, Riviera di Ponente

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Date

August 14, 2026

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Location

Pro Loco ALTARE

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Admission

Free

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Audience

Everyone

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The Festival di San Rocco in Altare is a traditional celebration honoring the patron saint on August 14th with a festival rich in history, devotion, and authentic Ligurian character. Saint Rocco, protector against illness and epidemics, is honored by the Altare community with religious celebrations, processions, and events that reflect the deep spirituality of the region.

The event takes place in mid-August and attracts the faithful and visitors from across Liguria interested in traditional religious observances. In Altare, a historic town renowned for its centuries-old glassmaking tradition (a living heritage since the Middle Ages), the Festival becomes an extraordinary opportunity to immerse yourself in the authentic atmosphere of the Riviera di Ponente, where the sacred and artisanal traditions coexist harmoniously.

The festival program includes a solemn Eucharistic celebration in honor of the patron saint, a traditional religious procession through the historic center, moments of community prayer, and devotional gatherings. The celebration is characterized by the lighting of votive candles, the distribution of blessed bread, and the warm hospitality of the local community.

Participating in the Festival di San Rocco means experiencing genuine popular faith, discovering how small Ligurian communities keep their cultural and religious roots alive through heartfelt and participatory celebrations, and appreciating Altare's unique identity as guardian of Italian glassmaking tradition.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the Festival di San Rocco in Altare take place?expand_more
The Festival di San Rocco is held on August 14th, the day dedicated to the patron saint. In 2026, the festival will be on Tuesday, August 14th. Celebrations begin in the morning with the Solemn Mass (10:00 AM) and continue with the religious procession in the afternoon (5:00 PM).
What is the detailed program of the Festival?expand_more
The program includes: Solemn Mass at 10:00 AM at the Parish Church, procession through the historic center at 5:00 PM with the statue of Saint Rocco, blessings and community prayer at 6:30 PM, solidarity dinner and popular entertainment in the square from 7:30 PM. Guided tours of the historic glass furnaces are also organized.
Where is Altare located and how do you reach it?expand_more
Altare is a municipality in the province of Savona, Liguria, in the Riviera di Ponente. By car: from Savona take the SS334 towards the interior (approximately 20 km, 25 minutes). By bus: Tpl Savona lines connect Savona to Altare (approximately 45 minutes). By train: the nearest station is Carcare (5 km), reachable from the Turin-Genoa line. Parking is available on the outskirts and in the historic center.
What are the main attractions of the Festival?expand_more
Religious celebrations and solemn procession with the statue of Saint Rocco, visits to the medieval historic center, discovery of the local glassmaking tradition with tours of active historic furnaces, educational exhibition on glass artisanal crafts, traditional Ligurian gastronomy, meetings with glass artisans. The festival represents a unique opportunity to learn about Altare's cultural identity.
What are the contact details and logistical information?expand_more
Altare Tourist Office: tel. +39 019 584 175, email: [email protected]. Saint Rocco Parish: tel. +39 019 584 154. Parking: Central Parking (via Repubblica), Peripheral Parking (road to Carcare). Accommodation: lodging facilities available in Altare's center and nearby municipalities. Shops and restaurants open late into the evening during the festival.
What is the history of Saint Rocco and why is he Altare's patron?expand_more
Saint Rocco (1295-1327) was a French pilgrim who healed plague victims during the Great Plague of the 14th century. He is venerated as protector against disease and epidemics. Altare honors him as patron due to traditional popular Ligurian devotion and miracles attributed to the saint. The August 14th feast commemorates his liturgical memory and has been celebrated solemnly by the Altare community for centuries.
What makes the Festival di San Rocco in Altare unique?expand_more
The Festival's uniqueness lies in the harmonious fusion of authentic religious tradition and glassmaking heritage. Altare is the only place in Italy where a patron saint festival intertwines with celebration of centuries-old glassmaking tradition (since the 12th century). Visitors can participate in genuinely devotional celebrations while simultaneously discovering the secrets of glass craftsmanship through visits to active furnaces and practical demonstrations.
What are the typical dishes served during the festival?expand_more
During the Festival, traditional Ligurian dishes are offered: trofie with Genoa pesto, pansotti with walnuts, stuffed anchovies, Recco cheese focaccia, verdure minestrone, sea bass alla ligure. The August 14th solidarity dinner offers a traditional menu at affordable prices. Numerous stalls serve local specialties and Ligurian DOC wines.
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