The patron of Vieste is Santa Maria di Merino, an old wooden statue of Mary kept in town. On 9 May she is carried solemnly enthroned in the procession that leaves the cathedral and reaches her sanctuary, about seven kilometres from the built-up area.
Vieste is entrusted to her patronage together with that of Saint George, celebrated on 23 April: his wooden statue is also kept in the cathedral and goes out through the streets, alongside those of the other saints venerated in town.
The first Saturday of September belongs instead to Santa Maria Stella Maris: in this land of fishermen, Mary star of the sea is thanked for the season of good weather, and those lost at sea are remembered.
