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Infopoint Maderno Tel. +39 331 2356766
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Infopoint Toscolano Tel. +39 0365 515783
Feast of Saint Herculanus 2026
Tradition, entertainment and spirituality on the shores of Lake Garda
From 9 to 12 August 2026, Toscolano Maderno celebrates Saint Herculanus, Patron Saint of the Riviera del Garda, with four days full of emotions, tradition and unmissable events.
One of the most cherished celebrations of the Lake Garda summer transforms the village into a charming open-air stage, where history, art, faith and entertainment come together along the lakeside promenade, in Piazza San Marco, the magnificent Monumental Church of Maderno and the historic centre of Maderno.
Sunday, 9 August – Religious Celebrations
The patronal festivities begin with the Holy Mass at 8:30 p.m. in the Parish Church of Sant'Andrea.
At 9:15 p.m., the traditional procession with the relics of Saint Herculanus will take place, transferring them from the Parish Church to the Monumental Church of Saint Andrew the Apostle.
Monday, 10 August – The Madonnari Art Festival
Piazza San Marco will become an open-air art gallery.
From 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., artists will create spectacular artworks dedicated to Saint Herculanus using chalks and coloured powders, while children can enjoy creative workshops and activities from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
From 5:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., visitors will be able to admire and vote for the artworks.
At 9:30 p.m., the day will conclude with an evocative historical re-enactment bringing the origins of the festival back to life.
Tuesday, 11 August – The Main Day of the Festival
Throughout the day, from 10:00 a.m. to midnight, the lakeside promenade will host the renowned Saint Herculanus Market, featuring market stalls, local delicacies and a festive atmosphere.
At 8:30 p.m., the Solemn Vespers will be celebrated in the Monumental Church of Maderno.
At 11:00 p.m., the traditional fireworks display will light up the Gulf of Maderno, creating one of the most spectacular moments of the Lake Garda summer.
Wednesday, 12 August – Feast of the Patron Saint
The Patron Saint's Day begins at 10:30 a.m. with the traditional procession of the relics of Saint Herculanus from the Monumental Church of Saint Andrew the Apostle to the Parish Church, followed by the Blessing of the Lake.
At 11:00 a.m., the Solemn Holy Mass will be celebrated in the Parish Church.
At 9:00 p.m., the G. Verdi Band will perform in Piazza San Marco, bringing the festival to a close with an evening of music and tradition.
The Saint Herculanus Walking Trail
For those wishing to discover the area through an authentic experience, the Saint Herculanus Walking Trail offers a unique journey through nature, history and spirituality.
The route lies entirely within the municipality of Toscolano Maderno and consists of three circular trails of varying difficulty, suitable for both beginners and experienced hikers.
Along the way, visitors can discover all the churches of the area while crossing landscapes of extraordinary beauty: from the plain at the mouth of the Toscolano stream to the morainic hills, from the spectacular Valle delle Cartiere and Valle delle Camerate to the breathtaking viewpoints of Monte Pizzocolo and Monte Spino, true natural balconies overlooking Lake Garda.
It is an itinerary that reveals hidden corners of the region, where the story of the Saint intertwines with nature and the traditions of the Riviera.
On the occasion of the festival, Monday, 10 August, participants can join a guided walk through some of the most significant places in Toscolano Maderno, including places of worship, Roman remains and natural landscapes.
Departure: 9:00 a.m. from Piazza San Marco
Return: approximately 12:00 noon
Online registration is required. Participation fee: €5.
For information:
Tel. +39 324 8805863
Email: prolocotoscolanomaderno@gmail.com
