La Festa di Gesù Bambino di Praga con la processione in mare e la benedizione delle barche

Arenzano celebrates the Feast of the Child Jesus of Prague on September 5 and 6, 2026, featuring a sea procession and the blessing of boats. The two day event includes a prayer vigil during the night and a blessing of children led by Cardinal Bagnasco.

This tradition has continued for 118 years. The devotion originated in the 11th century when a Carmelite friar modeled the child in wax. After religious worship was prohibited in Prague, the Carmelite friars continued the devotion at the Sanctuary of Arenzano. Local faithful visit the shrine to ask for help and healing or to fulfill vows for graces received.

The convent in Arenzano was founded on August 5, 1889, and is dedicated to santa Teresa di Gesù. Father Leopoldo M. di S. Giuseppe chose the town as the location for the foundation to create a house for the education of young people.