Sant Michel | 12 -19 – 28 September
With the celebrations dedicated to Alghero’s patron saint between late September and early October, the tourist season on the Coral Riviera ideally comes to a close. A series of events including theatre performances, exhibitions, music festivals, and food and wine events. One more opportunity to choose Alghero outside the classic peak periods.
After a great summer that has seen Alghero as one of the most visited destinations in Sardinia, with thousands of presences recorded during the Alghero August holidays (Ferragosto), we are now heading towards the more relaxed autumn period. With this in mind, the Festival di Sant Michel is proposed, amidst culture, concerts and traditions to discover the city at one of the best times of the year.
Sant Miquel: patron-saint of Alghero
29th September is a popular feast day in Alghero, an act of faith and tradition that has lasted for centuries. The San Michele church located in the historic centre of Alghero is one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in Sardinia. Rebuilt in the late 17th century (but with evidence dating back as far as 1300), it contains important historical evidence such as some paintings made in the early 17th century, panels and a crucifix dating back to 1700.
The true symbol of the San Michele Church – which has become the Alghero icon– is the dome made of polychrome majolica by architect Antoni Simon Mossa in 1950. There is no pictures that better represents Alghero than its famous dome!
👉 5 Things to see in the old town of Alghero
Sant Michel Festival Alghero: calendar of events
Sant Miquel Festival 2026 in Alghero: September Programme
The Sant Miquel Festival 2026 continues in September with three events celebrating Alghero’s Catalan heritage and traditions. The programme features Castells, the spectacular Catalan tradition of human towers, and Gegants, giant figures that will parade through the historic centre and harbour.
📅 11 September – Open Castells Practice
6:30 PM – Largo San Francesco
The festival gets underway with an open practice session featuring the Colles Castelleres Manyacs de Parets and Mataresos de l’Alguer.
It is a chance to see up close how castells are created through coordination, balance and teamwork.
📅 12 September – Tres anys de Mataresies
6:30 PM – Historic Centre
The day celebrates the third anniversary of Mataresos de l’Alguer, the only active colla castellera in Italy.
The event will take place around the historic centre, with performances by the Mataresos together with their guests, the Manyacs de Parets, bringing the Catalan tradition of human towers to the heart of Alghero.
📅 19 September – 1st Trobada Gegantera de l’Alguer
7:00 PM – Harbour & Historic Centre
The most spectacular event of the programme will be the first Trobada Gegantera de l’Alguer.
The giant figures (Gegants) will parade through the city accompanied by live music and traditional dancing, with the procession moving between the harbour and historic centre.
The evening will conclude with a collective celebration bringing together the participants of the event.
Why it’s worth attending?
If you want to experience a side of Alghero beyond its beaches, these events offer a great opportunity to discover the city’s Catalan identity, which remains an important part of its culture and local traditions.
Dates: 11, 12 & 19 September 2026
Locations: Largo San Francesco, Historic Centre & Harbour, Alghero
Admission: Free/public event
For more information and the complete calendar for the San Michele Alghero festival visit AlgheroTurismo
Please note: the programme is for information purposes only and is subject to change at any time. Always consult the website and official channels of the Municipality of Alghero. *Source of information: AlgheroTurismo.eu
Where to stay in Alghero at the end of September
If you want to book a hotel in Alghero during the San Michele celebrations, here are 3 perfect suggestions for comfort and proximity to the center.
👉 San Francesco Heritage Hotel
TOP 3 Activities to do in Alghero in autumn
The contents of this blog are for purely informational purposes and may change over time. We invite you to always verify the information on the official channels. We are not responsible for any subsequent modifications. Some of the links present are affiliate links: if you make a purchase through these links, we may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
