Catanzaro is preparing to celebrate its Patron Saint with a rich program of cultural, artistic, food and wine, and entertainment events that will enliven the historic center from July 14 to 16, 2025.
This morning, on the proposal of councilors Vincenzo Costantino (Tourism and Territorial Marketing), Giuliana Furrer (Productive Activities), Donatella Monteverdi (Culture and Entertainment), the City Council approved the resolution for the co-design of the San Vitaliano Festival program, in collaboration with Pro Loco Catanzaro, which will take care of the organization and management of the entire event.
Donatella Monteverdi, Councilor for Culture and Entertainment, emphasizes:
«We have built a broad program that embraces culture, art, memory, and entertainment. From vernacular shows to concerts, from exhibitions to workshops, we want to tell the story of the city in all its facets. San Vitaliano will not only be a moment of devotion, but also an opportunity to strengthen the bond with our identity».
Giuliana Furrer, Councilor for Productive Activities, highlights the importance of involving the city's economic fabric:
«The six thematic areas will also be a space for enhancing local businesses, with food and wine routes, craft markets, exhibitions, and moments of entertainment. A model of concrete collaboration between public and private, designed to relaunch the historic center as the beating heart of city activities».
Vincenzo Costantino , Councilor for Tourism and Territorial Marketing, states:
«This edition marks a turning point. San Vitaliano 2025 will be a great festival like we have never seen before: richer, more engaging, more strategic for tourism. Tradition is one of the pillars of our event strategy, and around it we also strengthen the city's attractiveness».
The festival program is divided into six thematic areas: Food, Exhibitions and Markets, Shows, Culture, Workshops, Sports and Dance, designed to involve all age groups and to enhance the culture and territory of Catanzaro.
The program (subject to additions in the coming days):
July 14, 2025
• Official start of the festival
• Folk music concert by the Linea Jonica Association in Piazza Prefettura
• Opening:
o Craft and hobby markets on Corso Mazzini and Via Jannoni
o Local food and wine stands and international street food
o Music and craft workshops
• Start of the exhibition “Catanzaro: between history, tradition and devotion” at ex STAC (until July 19)
• First workshop activities in Galleria Mancuso
• Guided tours and special openings (San Giovanni Complex, Politeama Theater)
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July 15, 2025
Evening concert in Piazza Prefettura
• Continue:
o Markets, exhibitions, street food
o Craft workshops and traditional workshops
o Cultural activities, guided tours, and historical exhibitions
• Artistic performances on Terrazza Bellavista
• Involvement of public businesses in the identity food and wine route
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July 16, 2025
• Theater show in dialect: "Ricordi d’a Ruga" by Nino Gemelli – by Teatro Incanto
• Following: “Vita...liano Quiz!”, interactive theater game with prizes
• Last day for:
o Markets, stands, workshops and labs
o Exhibitions and cultural activities
• Sports and dance performances in Piazza Roma and Villa Margherita (involvement of CONI and associations)
• Final performances on Terrazza Bellavista
The six thematic areas:
Food Area: international street food and identity food and wine route by the businesses of Corso Mazzini and other local economic operators.
• Exhibition and Markets Area: craft markets, hobbyist stands and agri-food producers on Corso Mazzini and Via Jannoni.
• Shows Area: concerts, vernacular theater and interactive quizzes in Piazza Prefettura and Terrazza Bellavista, with the participation of local artists.
• Cultural Area: guided tours, exhibitions, displays and meetings dedicated to the history of silk and city devotion, with the project “Velvet and Vitaliano” by Sarah Procopio.
• Workshops: workshops on traditional Calabrian music and dance and craft activities open to the public.
• Sports and Dance: performances and physical activities in collaboration with sports associations and federations, scheduled in Piazza Roma and Villa Margherita.
The initiative is an integral part of the summer festival “EstArte 2025”, promoted by the City Administration to enhance the city's identity roots and encourage citizen participation, the involvement of economic activities and tourist attraction.
The San Vitaliano logo was created in 2023 by Giovanni Audino Studio Grafico and donated free of charge to the Municipality of Catanzaro.