Festivals in Calabria

A TIME TO CELEBRATE
The people of Calabria have several reasons to celebrate. Being a part of any of their festivals can be an experience in itself. If you are visiting Calabria, find out what festivals will be on at the time of your going there. Do make sure that you find the time to be a part of the festivities

FOOD FESTIVALS OF CALABRIA

Red Onion Festival (Tropea): This festival is held in July and gives you an opportunity to try the place’s famous red onions in a variety of ways – fired, roasted boiled or even as an ingredient in salads.

Swordfish Festival (Bagnara) Also held in the month of July. This festival celebrates the year’s swordfish catch. A wonderful procession of swordfish boats (luntru) takes places and you will get a chance to taste a variety of tasty dishes.

“Da Sujaca” Festival (Caria) In the month of August white Sujaca beans grown in Poro, are cooked in terracotta bowls for long hours and are then served with a dressing of olive oil and dried chili pepper.

The Chili Pepper Festival (Diamante) This is a local festival and celebrates Calabria’s favorite red-hot peperoncini

Other food festivals include the wine festival of Bianco in August. Costa Viola also has many seafood festivals in June. Another famous festival of food is the Fiera de 100 Communi, held at a different location each year.

RELIGIOUS FESTIVALS OF CALABRIA

Calabria also has religious celebrations which are taken very seriously. One important observation happens on 15th of August every year. The Madonna is taken on procession through several towns and to the sea shore. The festival ends with a fireworks display.

Next is the Varia that occurs in Palmi each year. The procession is a dedication to the Virgin Mary. Young girls were carried through the town earlier. But now dolls are taken in procession

There are also festivals that are purely for fun. The Carnevale del Pollino is one such that has street performers, processions and food.