Lignano Sabbiadoro: Strict rules for a quiet Whitsun weekend!

Lignano Sabbiadoro: Strict rules for a quiet Whitsun weekend!

As Lignano Sabbiadoro prepares for the influx of tourists during the Whitsun weekend from June 5th to 9th, 2025, numerous measures to avoid excesses are taking center stage. The city's mayor, Laura Giorgi, described Pentecost as a "degenerate phenomenon" and stressed the need to ensure order and security to prevent chaotic scenes like those in previous years. In recent years, problems have arisen regularly due to excessive drinking, which now urgently need to be addressed.

Over 80,000 tourists, including thousands of young Austrians, are expected in the Italian coastal town over the holidays. The disturbance of the peace and the problems caused by tourists should be countered with a strict set of rules merkur.de reported.

Extensive measures to curb excesses

In order to ensure the desired control, the package of measures includes, among other things, a ban on the sale of alcoholic drinks in bottles and cans after midnight. Music can only be played until midnight, with exceptions for approved events such as Italian pop star Cesare Cremonini's concert. This event at the Lignano stadium is expected to attract 20,000 fans.

In addition, it was decided that bars could remain open until 2 a.m. at the latest, while shops should close by 1 a.m. at the latest. A ban on swimming on the beaches will come into force from 8 p.m. and bivouacing in the municipal area is also prohibited. These are just some of the measures that will come into force together with an increased presence of police officers from South Tyrol and Carinthia as well as dog units from Trento. The Italian army will also be on site to provide support to tighten security precautions.

Citizens' initiative and support from the local economy

The citizens' initiative “Stop the degradation of the Pentecoste festival” has collected over 1,500 signatures for stricter measures. According to a survey, 67.6% of local businesses support stricter regulations, while 32.4% are against restrictions. Business owners suggest increased police presence, clear regulations on alcohol distribution and more public toilets to improve the situation.

Councilor Liliana Portello underlines the need for a new communication strategy for tourists in order to achieve the desired goal of “controlled attractiveness”. The city of Lignano is aiming for a paradigm shift to evolve from a party hotspot to a family-friendly holiday resort.

How suedtirolnews.it further reported, the security precautions decided by Mayor Laura Giorgi and Police Chief Domenico Farinacci are a central part of this strategy. The city wants to ensure that both tourists and residents have a pleasant experience during the Pentecost weekend and that the excesses of previous years are not repeated.