The celebrations that enliven the Cinque Terre throughout the year are
primarily associated with religious traditions and culinary delights.
During the Christmas season, typically from December 8 to mid-January,
the illuminated nativity scene in Manarola is unveiled.
This remarkable
display, conceived by Mario Andreoli since 1976, features over 300
figures illuminated by 17,000 lights.
In Vernazza, a unique underwater
Christmas celebration takes place, where the statue of the Baby Jesus is
brought to the surface by divers and transported to the church.
In spring, from late March to early April, the Sciacchetrail race
occurs, a challenging 47-kilometer loop that starts and ends in
Monterosso.
This demanding event traverses all five villages along
undulating trails adjacent to the vineyards that produce the renowned
passito wine, sciacchetrà.
During the Easter period, Manarola hosts a
traditional procession to the hill of the Three Crosses, featuring a
luminous representation of the Passion.
In May, the second Saturday of
the month is dedicated to the celebration of Christ at the sanctuary of
the Madonna di Reggio in Vernazza, while the third Saturday of May sees
the lemon festival in Monterosso.
Summer is the peak season for festivities in the Cinque Terre. In June,
Monterosso celebrates Corpus Domini with a procession through the
village and a floral display.
On June 12, the feast of Our Lady of
Montenero in Riomaggiore includes a procession to the sanctuary.
The
third Saturday of the month is marked by the fried anchovy festival in
Monterosso, followed by the traditional bonfire of the Battiston, a
cloth effigy, during the San Giovanni celebrations.
The patronal feast
continues with processions in both Monterosso and Riomaggiore.
On June
29, the feast of Saints Peter and Paul is celebrated in Corniglia,
culminating in a procession to the Santa Maria terrace, where the
Fieschi cake is served.
In July, the festivities include the celebration on July 7 at the
Sanctuary of Our Lady of Soviore, commemorating the finding of the
Pietà, and on July 20, the feast of Saint Margaret in Vernazza.
