Pompeii’s events calendar is anchored by two major religious pilgrimages to the Sanctuary of the Madonna of Pompeii, plus archaeological and cultural events at the excavations. The modern town of Pompei also hosts local Campanian festivals tied to the agricultural and religious calendar. Most visitors combine Pompeii events with Naples’ festival scene, just 25 km away, which includes the famous Feast of San Gennaro (September 19) at Naples Cathedral and Napoli Teatro Festival (June). Below are the key events in and around Pompeii, organized by month. For more details, see our Pompeii weather by month guide. For more details, see our best time to visit Pompeii guide.
Pompeii Events and Festivals in May
Supplica alla Madonna di Pompei (May 8)
The Supplica (Supplication) is the most important annual event in modern Pompeii. On May 8 at noon, the faithful recite the Supplica prayer composed by Blessed Bartolo Longo, the founder of the sanctuary, simultaneously in the Pompei sanctuary and in churches worldwide. The sanctuary fills to capacity with pilgrims, and the square in front (Piazza Bartolo Longo) screens the ceremony for overflow crowds. The prayer is broadcast live on Italian television (Rai 1). The town closes several streets around the sanctuary from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. If you are visiting the archaeological site on May 8, expect large crowds in the modern town but the ruins themselves are unaffected. Hotel rooms in Pompei book out weeks in advance for this date.
Pompeii Events and Festivals in June
Pompei Teatro Festival (Late June, dates vary)
A summer theater series staging classical Greek and Roman plays in the Large Theater (Teatro Grande) inside the archaeological site. The theater was built in the 2nd century BC and seats 5,000 spectators on its original stone benches. Performances are in Italian, but the setting alone makes it worthwhile even if you do not speak the language. Tickets cost 20-35 euros depending on seating. The festival typically runs for two weekends in late June. Check the official Pompeii website (pompeiisites.org) for this year’s schedule, as dates are announced only 4-6 weeks in advance. Evening performances start at 8:30 PM , bring a cushion for the stone seats.
Pompeii Events and Festivals in September
Festa della Vendemmia (September through early October)
The grape harvest festival takes place in the vineyards on the lower slopes of Mount Vesuvius, 5-7 km from Pompeii. Several wineries around the village of Boscoreale open for harvest events with grape stomping, wine tastings of Lacryma Christi DOC (the local Vesuvian wine produced from Caprettone and Piedirosso grapes), and farm-to-table lunches. Cantina del Vesuvio (Via Villa dei Misteri 2) and Casa Setaro (Via Bosco del Monaco 10, Trecase) are two producers that host harvest events. No single organized festival exists , instead there are multiple producer-led events scattered across September weekends. Book directly with the winery 2-3 weeks ahead. Taxis from Pompeii to Vesuvian wineries cost about 25-30 euros one-way.
Pompeii Events and Festivals in October
Festa della Madonna del Rosario (First Sunday of October)
The second major pilgrimage event at the Pompeii sanctuary, held on the first Sunday of October. It marks the feast day of Our Lady of the Rosary, the patroness of the sanctuary. The event includes a morning Mass, a procession through the streets of modern Pompei carrying the venerated icon, and the recitation of the Rosary. The procession route runs from the sanctuary along Via Carlo Alberto to Piazza Esedra and back, about 1.5 km total. Streets along the route close for 3-4 hours in the late morning. Attendance is smaller than the May 8 Supplica but still draws thousands of pilgrims from Campania and beyond.
Pompeii Events and Festivals in December
Christmas Markets and Presepe Vivente
From early December through Christmas Eve, Piazza Bartolo Longo hosts a Christmas market with local crafts, food stalls, and a carousel. The sanctuary sets up an elaborate presepe (Nativity scene) with handcrafted figures. On select December weekends (usually December 16-17 and 23-24), the archaeological site may host a living Nativity scene (Presepe Vivente) with costumed actors in the ancient setting, though this event has not been held consistently since 2019. Check pompeiisites.org in November for confirmation. Naples, 25 km away, has its famous Via San Gregorio Armeno street of presepe artisans open year-round and especially active in December.
