The city of Turin is preparing to celebrate its beloved patronal feast of San Giovanni with a program full of events and breathtaking shows. The streets and squares of the city will be filled with music, dance, historical re-enactments and fireworks, creating an atmosphere of joy and tradition.
Sunday 23 June: exploring the Po and the city’s traditions
Activities on the Po River
Sunday 23 June will be characterized by numerous activities linked to the Po river, the beating heart of Turin. At the Murazzi del Po, citizens and tourists will be able to immerse themselves in the experience of outings on the river and canoeing and rowing lessons, organized by Friends of the River Club. These activities will offer a unique opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the Po while enjoying exciting water sports.
Parade of the Turinstars Majorettes
At 6pm, the parade of Turinstars Majorettes, team of the Italian National Majorettes, accompanied by the band of the Metropolitan City of Turin and by characters in traditional costume, will open the celebrations in Piazza Palazzo di Città. This show of colors, music and traditional dances it will capture the attention of everyone present, transporting them into an atmosphere of joy and happiness.
The historical parade
The highlight of the day will be the Historical Parade, which will start from Piazza Carlo Felice at 8pm. This procession, made up of characters in period costumes and historical groups, will cross the streets of the historic center of the city until reaching Palazzo Civico. Here, the Mayor will award the prize for the best degree theses on Turin, celebrating the students’ commitment and passion for their city.
The Christmas Eve Light
Starting from 8.30 pm, the NIDA association will offer entertainment activities for children and families in Piazza Castello, creating a joyful and engaging atmosphere. At 10 pm, the traditional Christmas Eve light will be lit, illuminating the night with its symbolic flame and kicking off the celebrations of the following day.
Monday 24 June: The Patronal Feast of San Giovanni
Sports activities
For sports lovers, Monday 24 June will offer numerous opportunities. Since 9 am, the Circolo Amici del Fiume will organize a beach volleyball tournamentallowing participants to try their hand at this exciting sporting discipline.
Bells in celebration for San Giovanni
Throughout the city, the bells will ring for the series of bell concerts entitled “Bells in celebration for San Giovanni”. This unique event will allow those present to enjoy the beauty of the sounds of the bells, celebrating the tradition and spirituality of the patronal feast.
Sassi Station celebrations
At Sassi station, between 10 am and 12.30 pm, the Turin Historical Tram Association will celebrate the 100th anniversary of tram 502, dating back to 1924, with free tourist rides. This initiative will offer participants the opportunity to immerse themselves in the history of Turin’s public transport, while enjoying a unique experience aboard a vintage tram.
The Solemn Mass
At 10.30 am, the Solemn Mass in the city Cathedral will mark the culmination of the religious celebrations. This ceremony, officiated by the Archbishop of Turin, will be a moment of reflection and prayer for all the faithful, celebrating the city’s devotion towards its Patron Saint.
Parade of Historic Cars
At 4.30 pm, the parade of historic cars, with the presence of Gianduja, Giacometta and the Giacomette, will arrive in Piazza Castello. This event will offer those present the opportunity to admire some of the most beautiful and rare vintage cars, while the typical masks of the Piedmontese tradition will liven up the streets with their charismatic presence.
Concert of musical bands
At 7.30 pm, three musical bands, after having paraded through the streets of the center starting from Piazza Statuto, Palazzo di Città and Carignano, will reunite in Piazza Castello for a concert. This musical show will involve the audience with its lively melodies and rousing rhythms, creating an atmosphere of celebration and joy.
Activities on the Po River
There will be many initiatives on the Po river, starting from 12pm, when a boat will set sail from the pier of the Amici del Fiume club to offer participants a unique view of the city from the river. Furthermore, they will be organized boat tours and rowing lessonsallowing those present to experience the thrill of sailing on the waters of the Po.
Other Initiatives
Among the many events of the day, we also highlight “Economy & Food“, an event dedicated to food and the local economy, and “Turin in Motion“, a series of sporting and recreational activities organized in different areas of the city.
The Final Fireworks Show
After four days of celebrations, the feast of San Giovanni will reach its climax with the final fireworks display in Piazza Vittorio. This show, which they will witness 49,500 peoplewill be accompanied by a soundtrack that will cover music from the 80s to today, with songs by artists such as Queen, Aerosmith, U2, Coldplay, Vasco Rossi and Ligabue. The fireworks, with low acoustic and environmental impact, will illuminate the sky of Turin with a dance of breathtaking colors and lights, giving those present an unforgettable experience.
