In June, Forio town on Ischia island celebrates its local patron, saint Vito. This festival involves the whole community and mixes sacred and profane elements, religious devotion and seafaring traditions. The celebration is one of the most authentic on the island and an unmissable opportunity for anyone who wants to experience Ischia and its traditions.

The religious tradition

Saint Vito has been venerated in Forio since the 16th century as the patron saint of farmers and fishermen. The celebrations last several days and culminate in a procession, first on land through the narrow streets of the historic center, then by sea, aboard a decorated boat carrying the statue of the saint along the coast. The passage through the port, the sound of ship sirens, the folk songs: every moment is charged with emotion and identity.

Popular festival, markets, and shows

Alongside religious rituals, the feast of Saint Vito is also a huge popular festival. The streets of Forio come alive with stalls, concerts, food stands, children’s games, and fireworks displays that light up the Church of Soccorso.
It is a unique opportunity to savor the true atmosphere of the village, where tourists and locals mingle amid smiles, toasts, and traditions.

To be experienced on a boat

Many choose to watch the procession from the sea, following the saint’s boat along the coastline of Forio. It is a privileged, intimate viewpoint that allows you to capture the spirituality of the event in the tranquility of the sea at sunset.