Rapallo’s Fireworks

On 2 July 1557, Our Lady appeared to a peasant on the mountain behind Rapallo.

To commemorate that moment and to emphasise the town’s devotion to the Madonna of Montallegro, grandiose firework displays and firecrackers are organised every year.

The event is always held on the first three days of July and it is the city’s famous Sestieri that take care of the firing and compete in a fireworks competition.

On the final evening, the procession of the Madonna takes place, and at 10.30 p.m. one of the most eagerly awaited moments for fans is scheduled: the burning of the castle, followed by the grandiose final pyrotechnic battle after 11 p.m.

Not to be missed is the picture depicting the apparition. Legend has it that, each time it was taken away, it reappeared several times on the mountain, at Our Lady’s behest.