Feast of Madonna Bianca

Every year, on 17 August, Porto Venere celebrates its patron saint with the evocative Feast of Madonna Bianca, one of the most moving and distinctive events in Liguria. On this occasion, the village – overlooking the sea and recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site – is transformed into a setting of extraordinary beauty, where faith, history and tradition blend into a spectacle capable of enchanting thousands of visitors from all over Italy.

As evening falls, the ancient colourful houses, the narrow alleyways and the walls of the historic centre are illuminated by over 2.000 candles, torches and lanterns, which trace a path of light through the entire village. The lights are reflected on the waters of the Gulf of Poets, creating a magical atmosphere that makes this celebration one of the most photographed and enchanting events of the Italian summer.

The sea also takes centre stage during the festival. At dusk, numerous boats gather in front of the historic Church of San Pietro and in the picturesque Byron’s Grotto, creating a unique scene where the lights of the boats blend with those of the village. The view, with the illuminated headland and the sea reflecting thousands of tiny flames, offers a spectacle of rare intensity, capable of moving both residents and visitors.

The most eagerly awaited moment of the celebration is the evening procession, which winds its way through the streets of the old town, illuminated solely by the light of the candles. The religious procession, deeply cherished by the local community, represents the heart of the event and revives a tradition passed down from generation to generation. Amidst silence, devotion and the play of light, the procession creates an intense atmosphere that blends spirituality and seafaring identity in one of Liguria’s most iconic locations.

Taking part in the Feast della Madonna Bianca is an experience that goes beyond a simple religious celebration. It is an opportunity to discover Portovenere in a unique light, strolling through its illuminated alleyways, admiring one of the most spectacular views of the Gulf of Poets and immersing yourself in a tradition that continues to embody the very soul of the village. An event that brings together faith, culture and landscape in an evening that remains etched in the memory of anyone lucky enough to experience it.

Ph: Carlo Baldino