Post by Paolo Valle

Today it is San Giovanni. San Giovanni is the patron saint of the city of Genoa and is celebrated on the anniversary of his birth. The celebrations begin the previous evening with stalls and performances by musicians and street artists through the streets of the center and clubs open until late, to culminate with the great bonfire that is lit at midnight in the central Piazza Matteotti. On the 24th there is the solemn and spectacular procession of the ancient Confraternities with their grandiose and artistic Christs that starts from the Cathedral of San Lorenzo to reach the Porto Antico where the Cardinal Archbishop of the city gives the blessing of the sea and the city. The Saint is also celebrated in many other towns in Liguria with celebrations and festivals on June 24th