Varazze: Patronal Feast of Saint Catherine 2026 in the Historic Village

Varazze: Patronal Feast of Saint Catherine 2026

Varazze once again honours Saint Catherine of Siena in 2026 with a program that blends religious observance, historical reenactment and guided walks through the historic centre to promote the village's heritage.

The festivities opened with a Novena running from April 21 to April 29 at the Sanctuary of the Most Holy Trinity (Church of Saint Catherine), featuring evening gatherings for prayer and readings from the saint's writings.

Main events

• April 26, 3:30 PM – Sacred Representation of the Historical Procession in Piazza Sant'Ambrogio, followed by a parade of the neighbourhoods San Nazario, Borgo and Solaro through the historic centre, with staged stops in Piazza Santa Caterina.
• April 27, 6:00 PM – History on Foot, a narrated walk through the village meeting at the churchyard of Sant'Ambrogio. This free route explores alleyways and sites linked to Saint Catherine, curated by local scholar Guido Pizzorno with support from the association Tre Borg.

Visitor information

• Suitable for visitors and families interested in local history and village traditions.
• Most events are free; comfortable shoes and appropriate clothing are recommended for the walking itinerary.
• The program offers a chance to discover lesser-known corners of Varazze and to appreciate the cultural identity of the historic centre.

The feast also marks the 650th anniversary of Saint Catherine's passage through Varazze (1376–2026), strengthening the connection between devotion, local history and the enhancement of the village.