Saturday 5 September 2026, Vigevano revives one of the oldest and most heartfelt events in its tradition: the Rogo del Diavolo (Burning of the Devil), the evocative ritual that draws thousands of visitors to the San Bernardo district every year. Organized by the Confraternity of the Most Holy Crucifix of San Bernardo, the event is one of the leading traditional celebrations in Lomellina and the province of Pavia, bringing together faith, history, culture and folklore.

An Ancient Tradition in the Heart of Vigevano

The most anticipated moment of the festival is the symbolic burning of the Devil effigy on the churchyard of the Church of San Bernardo, dedicated to Saint Bernard of Clairvaux. Handed down over the centuries, the ritual represents the triumph of good over evil and marks the culmination of the religious and popular celebrations dedicated to the saint.

The atmosphere on the night is truly unique: the district fills with worshippers, residents and visitors who gather to witness a spectacle rich in symbolic meaning, blending tradition, spirituality and collective participation.

The 2026 Rogo del Diavolo Programme

The celebrations open with the liturgical feast of San Bernardo on Thursday 20 August, while the calendar of side events begins on Thursday 3 September.
Highlights include a concert by maestro Alessandro Giulini with the Associazione Cantica Organi, the traditional Passeggiata del Diavolo (Devil's Walk) through the streets of the district, and the musical performance "Lux Vivens," dedicated to the chants of Hildegard von Bingen and performed by the vocal ensemble Scivias with Lucia Cervio, Alberto Guaschi and musician Riccardo Miracca.

The high point of the event comes on Saturday 5 September at 9:45 pm, when the traditional Devil effigy is set alight in the churchyard of the Church of San Bernardo in front of thousands of spectators.

What's New for the 2026 Edition

The 2026 edition introduces an important artistic novelty. The cover of the festival's traditional booklet has been entrusted to Vigevano-born painter Vincenzo Pellitta, who created a work dedicated to Saint Bernard of Clairvaux.
Sixty numbered reproductions, signed by the artist, will be produced from the original acrylic-on-canvas painting. Some will be presented as keepsakes to the confraternities, associations and authorities taking part in the celebrations.
The traditional Devil effigy itself, built by the Mattiuzzo brothers, will once again be painted by artist Mauro Banzola, continuing a now well-established artistic collaboration.

An Event to Experience in Vigevano

The Rogo del Diavolo offers an ideal opportunity to visit Vigevano, one of Lombardy's most fascinating art cities. Before or after the event, visitors can stroll through the historic centre, admire the famous Piazza Ducale, the Sforza Castle, the Bramante Tower, and the many other traces of the city's Renaissance past.
The event is also a chance to discover the best of Lomellina, a land of rice paddies, culinary traditions and historic villages, offering visitors an authentic experience in the province of Pavia.

Useful Information
Event: Rogo del Diavolo 2026
Date: Saturday, 5 September 2026
Time of the bonfire: 9:45 pm
Location: Churchyard of the Church of San Bernardo, Vigevano (PV)
Organized by: Confraternity of the Most Holy Crucifix of San Bernardo

The Rogo del Diavolo of Vigevano is one of the most representative traditional events in the province of Pavia, and a not-to-be-missed occasion for anyone wishing to experience a centuries-old celebration of faith, history and popular culture.

Photo: La Provincia Pavese

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