Festa di San Pietro

On June 29th, Carloforte celebrates its patron saint, St. Peter. This deeply felt event has roots that run deep in both history and legend.

The episode of the Saint seeking refuge on the island from a violent storm forms the backdrop of the celebrations, which culminate in a solemn procession through the streets of the town and, even more uniquely, across the sea in the town’s harbor.

The entire island community takes part in the event: fishermen carry the statue of their patron saint on their shoulders, followed by large Pegli crucifixes adorned with rich decorations, symbolizing and reinforcing the bond between Carloforte and the Ligurian cities. The procession begins at the Church of St. Peter, making its way to the Mamma Mahon quay before continuing by sea at sunset.

In the past, the Saint was carried on a bastarda, a type of boat used in the tuna fishery, rowed by tonnarotti. Today, the honor falls to a motorboat. As the procession glides over the waters of the harbor, the sound of sirens from the festively decorated ferries greets the patron saint and heralds the fireworks that will light up the night.