MARCH A Festa di l'Oliu Novu
Mid March at Sainte-Lucie de Tallano. Tel: 04 95 78 80 13.
JANUARY
Ile Danse: festival of Mediterranean Dance.
Winegrowers festival: organized by the Winegrowers Union, Ajaccio.
FEBRUARY
A Fiera di A Tumbera - Renno 6 February (West Corsica)
Pigs are the stars of this traditional fair, together with the various ways they are used in
Corsican Cuisine...
The fair features cooking competitions and demonstrations.Tel :04 95 26 65 35
MARCH
A Festa di l'Oliu Novu
Mid March at Sainte-Lucie de Tallano. Tel: 04 95 78 80 13.
A Passione - la Passion du Christ à
l'Oratoire Saint- Antoine de Calvi
Holy Week Processions:
The most famous ones are at Bonifacio and
the Catenacciu in Sartène.
The Holy Week is also celebrated in: Calvi, Corte, Erbalunga, the Castagniccia and Bastia.
A Passione:
Holy Week is the time for a great spectacle at the Oratoire Saint- Antoine in the Corsican language
retracing the Passion of Christ
U Svegliu Calvese - A Filetta , Calvi. Tel: 04 94 65 23 57.
Email : svegliu@aol.com
U Catenacciu - Sartène Vendredi Saint
The most famous of the Good Friday processions. A shackled penitent, wearing a cowl and carrying a cross, walks
a steeply sloping route through the town, symbolising the stations on the cross. Only the parish priest knows
the penitent's identity.
A Granitola - Calvi Vendredi Saint
The brothers of the orders of Saint Antoine and Erasmus, dressed as cowled, barefooted penitents, march
in procession through the town and into the citadel courtyard. La Granitola, a symbolic,
penitential procession, describing a coiling and uncoiling spiral, is repeated at various points along the route.
Orthodoxe Easter: celebrated at Cargèse
Procession of the "Black Christ" - Bastia Vendredi Saint
Cowled penitents process through the streets of the Citadel.
Procession of the Five Orders - Bonifacio Vendredi Saint
Procession of the Five Orders. Members of the Five Orders process through the town via different routes and join
up again at the parish church where they are blessed by the emblem of the relic of the Holy Cross. Each brotherhood
carries relics and statues of the Saints sculpted on wooden shrines in the Baroque style which are lit with torches
and lanterns. Traditional chants and pagan rituals enhance the mystical feature of these processions.
A Merendella in Castagniccia:
This fair takes place at Piedricroce at Easter selling local products.
Tel: 04 95 35 81 26.
APRIL
Cheese and Wine day - Cauro
South Corsican wines and cheeses are offered for tasting and sale on the second sunday in april each year on Cauro's village
square. Brocciu fans can watch cooking demonstrations and enjoy a smorgasbord of pastries and prepared dishes.
Brocciu Open Days - Piana
"Brocciu" - type of cheese produced from sheep's or goat's milk). As its name indicates, lectures, exhibitions,
demonstrations of its production and finally tasting one of the best regional products all form part of this day
in its honour. The organisers of this event are also able to conjure up the shepherds' trails and enchant spectators
with recitals of pastoral tales and legends. Tel: 04 95 27 82 05
MAY
Nautival: festival with sea as theme, at the end of May in Macinaggio. Tel: 04 95 35 40 35.
Foire A Gravona - Ucciani
Artisanal and pastoral fairs being held in the valley of Gravona, the village of Ucciani.
"ILE DANSE" Dance festival - Ajaccio
Internet: www.artetc.org
A Fiera di u Casgiu - Foire du Fromage in Venaco ( 3 and 4 May 2008 )
www.fromages-corse.org
3 et 4 mai 2008 :13ème édition de la 'fiera di u Casgiu'
Les meilleurs fromages fermiers de Corse, des animations dans un cadre enchanteur, de nombreux artisans, 2 jours de rencontres et d'échanges.
Fireworks festival - Calvi
Firework teams will take it in turns to set the sky alight over Calvi.
Bonifacio Medieval Celebrations - Bonifacio
Pentecost weekend celebrates the year 1541, when Charles the Fifth set foot in the town. Charles, Emperor
of the Germanic Holy Roman Empire, King of Spain and Grandmaster of the Golden Fleece stayed for three days
in Bonifacio. The joyful citizens of Bonifacio celebrated the arrival of their suzerain. Noble lords and
graceful ladies, valiant knights and the well-fed bourgeoisie rushed to applaud the flag twirlers and dance
to the tunes of the lute players. Historical spectacle and medieval market.
Festival des 3 cultures - Calvi
4 days in May during the weekend of 'la Ascension'. Association F3C Calvi : (0033) 04 95 65 01 07
Nautival Maritime festival - Macinaggio
This event is a celebration of all aspects of the sea, providing the central theme for the participating
sailors, craftsmen, collectors, painters, photographers, authors, etc. Nautival is held at the marina, with
shows(e.g.balls, concerts, etc.), taster courses in water sports and marine leisure pursuits, conferences and
exhibitions, plus tasting sessions, walks along the "customs officers' trail" and boat trips. The celebration is
rounded off by a boat blessing ceremony and a torchlit procession in honour of the Virgin Mary.
Festimare festival of the sea - Ile Rousse
This unsual event brings together the educational, business, industrial, sporting and cultural worlds around the
Central theme of the sea. Festimare takes place on Place Paoli in the town centre, with activities including: -Fun,
educational children's workshops on various themes linked to the sea; - Debates and conferences, exhibitions and
maritime leisure activities (regattas, gatherings of yachts and vintage rigged vessels, diving courses, etc..)over
the three days of the festival.
Les Régates Impériales Ajaccio, 23 -28 May
JUNE
A Fiera di u mare: Solenzara et
la Foire de la mer.
Saint-Erasme:
Blessing of fishing boats, 2nd of June in Ajaccio, Bastia and Calvi.
For the last few years, an association formed by the town's fishermen has organised two days of Saint Erasmus
festivities, the highlight being a feast of grilled freshly caught fish served against the picturesque backdrop
of the "Tino Rossi" marina located at the foot of Ajaccio's citadel.
Calvi Jazz Festival:
Big names in international jazz come together in Calvi; end of June, beginning of July.
Contact : Association Calvi Jazz Festival : (0033) 04 95 65 00 50
Internet: www.calvi-jazz-festival.com
Cavall' in Festa Horse Festival - Corte
As the regional horse-fair, Cavall'in Festa is an unmissable event for the equestrian and farming
communities. Riding shows and demonstrations, children's activities, horse rides, traps and carriages, trick
riding and dressage naturally all feature on the programme. Presentation and sale of equines.
San Ghjuva - Corte
Every year, a day of cultural exchanges is organised for the feast of Saint John, focusing on traditional
Corsicann poetry and music. This year the theme is "Chjam'è rispondi", a melting-pot of oral traditions.
Corte's 15th century citadel and the Musée de la Corse museum provide and outstanding setting for this special
day, wich will continue late into the night at the Sermanu centre of traditional music.
Fête de la St. Jean de Bonifacio: Procession in the old center of the town. (24 June)
Kyrnéa Jump: a competition in Bastelicaccia (near Ajaccio), with the participation of the most reputed horsemen. Tel: 04 95 22 28 35.
Raid nature aventure: canoe, mountain bike, climbing, sailing, in Ajaccio for youngsters in the age from 14 - 18.
Venetian week in Porto-Vecchio
Donkey Festival - Aléria
The A Runcada association organises a donkey festival at chez Milou in the hamlet of Ernella on the
R.N 200 main road to Aléria. The event gives visitors an opportunity to discover and admire many
aspects of these animals. There will be demonstrations and various forms of entertainement, children's games
and competitions, donkey rides, etc.
Story-telling night - Vero
"La nuit du Conte" was inaugurated in 1993 to revive the art of storytelling, providing a forum for meeting
people and for self-expression. Gathered together in natural surroundings, in public squares ressembling
amphitheatres that are accessed through narrow, candle-lit streets, the audience listens to amateur and professional
storytellers weave their magic with nothing more than their voices. Thus begins the ritual, set between water and fire
in the heart of the village, on this companion evening to the feast of Saint John...
JULY
Estivoce - Pigna
With Pigna as the focal point, the picturesque villages of Balagne play host to the various evening performances
of the Estivoce festival. Singers from Corsica and across the world accompany teathre and dance performances. This
is a celebration of song down the ages and through changing musical tastes.
e-mail : festivoce@casa-musicale.org
Website: festivoce.casa-musicale.org
Wine Fair - Luri first weekend in July
The Cap Corse region has a strong wine-growing tradition, and the reputation of certain vineyards extends beyond
the region's borders. Winegrowers from every region of the island invite the public to taste fragant whites, rosés,
reds and muscats at this fair. Visitors will also find a range of authentic craft products and foodstuffs.
The changing of the Governors - Bastia
Historical spectacles recalling the arrival of the Genoese governor in Bastia, capital of the Kingdom of Corsica.
The new governor is accomodated with the old port and passes through the streets of the old town to the square where
the keep stands. The Governor is then invested with the outgoing official's authority. A demonstration of flag twirling
and drumming accompanies the 150-strong procession, and there are impressive spectacles in the Vieux Port and on the
Place du Donjon.
Olive tree fair - (Balagne)
Every year, the "Foire de l'olivier" attracts almost 10.000 visitors to a splendid olive grove on the
slopes of Monte Grosso. The olive tree fair views itself as a celebration of local heritage, and offers a relaxed mix
of exhibitions, meetings with artists, a children's fete and a delicious array of the flavours, aromas and colours.
The fair is one of only 100 sites to have been awarded the title "Site remarquable du goût" by France's
culinary arts council.
Pratu Summer Fair-"A Bocca di U Pratu" - Quercitello
This traditional rural fair is held on the Col du Pratu, on the road into Castagniccia, a rural area with a
strong regional identity. The fair includes cattle shows and a produce exhibition. The cultural aspect is
enhanced by Paghjelle (multi-part shepherd songs) and Chjami è Rispondi (sung oral jousting) competitions and
polyphonic singing.
Grand raid inter-lacs: mountain running race around the most beautiful lakes at Corte. Tel: 04 95 46 12 48.
Méditéranean trophy: sailing competition; departure and arrival takes place in Corsica. Tel: 04 95 23 89 00.
Nights of the Guitar - Patrimonio
The unusual feature of this event, staged in Patrimonio's marvellous open air theatre, is that it hosts an
electic line-up of guitar virtuosos. For the last 13 years, these Guitar Nights have blues, flamenco, gipsy, rock, tzigane,
tango...and classical music.
Internet: www.festival-guitare-patrimonio.com
Summer in Ajaccio: festival of music and dance, at the end of July and beginning of August. Tel: 04 95 50 40 80.
The Corsican book fair: Île-Rousse. Tel: 04 95 60 27 03.
Festa di u Mare: cultural and sporting events on the theme of the sea at Santa Severa, Marina of Luri. Tel: 04 95 35 0644.
Fiera di San Petru di Lumio - Lumio
Craft fair exclusively for produce having a regional identity. Over the two days, numerous activities
are on offer for visitors, including guided tours of various sites in the region, a sculpture competition,
Chjami è rispondi (traditional oral jousting), a treasure hunt, children's entertainement and music evenings.
AUGUST
Pilgrimage of Our Lady of the Snows - Bavella
Pilgrimage of Notre Dame des Neiges (Our Lady of the Snows) in a magnificent pine forest at the foot of the
famous "Aiguilles de Bavella", 10 kilometers from the village of Zonza.
The Lama film festival: cultural event on the theme of rural life. Tel: 04 95 48 21 05.
Festa di u legnu e di a Furesta: wood and forest fair at Vezzani. Tel: 04 95 21 76 84.
This fair, wich is held in the heart of one of Corsica's forests, promotes awareness of the wood and forestry
industry through a range of activities including demonstrations by industry professionals and lumberjack contests.
Craftsmen from around the island also display their considerable know-how over the two-day event.
Destination hazelnut: a gastronomic, cultural and musical event based on the promotion of hazelnuts in the village of Cervione.
Pointer dog day: at Casamaccioli in the Niolu. Tel: 04 95 48 03 23.
Music festival at Erbalunga: variety, jazz and guitares in the little village at Cap Corse. Tel: 04 95 33 20 73.
Napoleonic Celebrations - Ajaccio
As well as the religious ceremonies associated with the assomption, Ajaccio celebrates its links with
Napoleon Bonaparte. Grand procession, parade, spectacles in period dress, ceremonies commemorating the anniversary of the
birth of Napoleon I and a pyrotechnic symphony over the bay of Ajaccio. Tel: 04 95 51 53 03
Festa Antica: Aléria at the cross-roads of civilisations - Aléria
Aléria invites its visitors to share in the 8000 year history of the town
that at the time of the Romans was the capital of ancient Corsica. The inhabitants of Aléria dress up like their
Roman ancestors, invinting anyone who so wishes to don historical costumes and take part in the two days of
fetivities, with guided tours of historical and natural sites, Roman menus in the local restaurants(theme menus),
costumed processions, Olympic competitions, play jousting, a large craft market, children's activities and musical
entertainment.Tel: 04 95 57 01 51
Almond Tree Fair - Aregno
Craft and painting exhibitions, cookery competitions, concerts and children's entertainment are
organised in the natural setting of the village of Aregno, with the fair's central theme of almonds
also providing the subject for two conferences.
Rural Tourism Fair - Sollacaro
Craft fair: sale, tasting and demonstration of quality foods and craft wares. Musical entertainement and
evening dance.
Ascent of Mont San Petrone - Campana
Ascent of the Munt San Petrone, with mass celebrated at the top of the mountain.
Settembrinu di Tavagna Music Festival
The Tavagna music festival is organised jointly by five villages (Peru Casevecchje, Velone-Olmeto, Taglio Isolaccia,
Poggio-Mezzana and Talasani) in the Tavagna microregion. The cosmopolitan programme includes evening performances by
artistes from a variety of countries, and offers a successful blend of modern and traditional music.
Internet: Settembrinu di Tavagna
SEPTEMBER
Niolu Fair and A Santa di U Niolu - Casamaccioli 8 september
Although originally a pastoral tradition, the Niolu fair now hosts many craft stalls. This is a major meeting
for Corsicans, in particular because of its religious nature(being held on the feast of Santa di U Niolu). The fair
is among the island's oldest.
Celebration of the " Santa di U Niolu ". Mass with traditional hymns. This fair gives place to cultural and
traditional meetings in which take part, in abstract manner,
groups and singers, famous or anonymous as well as lots of undiscoverd talent.
Notre Dame de Pancheraccia - Pancheraccia
Mary the Virgin appeared at the end of the 18th century, near this village, situated in the heart of the
Haute Corse, in southern Castagniccia, between Corté and Aléria, after the Corsican people had elected her
as their "Queen of Corsica" in 1736. Like Bernadette in Lourdes, a little girl saw God's mother there.
Yearly mess on the 5th of august.
Fête de Notre Dame - Bonifacio 8 september
Festival of Our Lady. Stuffed aubergines" à la Bonifacienne" are prepared for this religious
festival and handed out to those attending the ceremony.
Festi Acqua, Water Festival - Propriano
Water is Corsica's most precious resource, both in terms of its diversity (with the sea, lakes and rivers).
Therefore it is only natural to hold a festival- the "Festi Acqua"- in its honour.
The programme features conferences, exhibitions, concerts and street entertainement creating areal festival atmosphere.
e-mail : jlm.is@wanadoo.fr
Porto Vecchio Fair - Porto Vecchio
This craft fair promotes the local economy through the various exhibitors.
Calvi Festival of Polyphony - Calvi
Corsica's polyphonic singing is one of the island's most popular cultural traditions. This festival has grown into
one of the island's major events, where artistic expression provides a channel
for us to celebrate the infinite diversity of our identities. For five days each year, polyphonic ensembles
from all over the world(including Mongols, Inuits, Tibetans, South Africans, Cubans, Sardinians, etc..) perform
in the heart of Calvi's Citadel. The various performances are held in the St Jean-Baptiste Cathedral, the Saint
Antoine Oratory and the Place d'Armes.
e-mail : svegliu@aol.com
Mele in Festa - Murzo
This fair encourages visitors to discover the local specialities and in particular Corsican honey, which has
now obtained "Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée" status.
OCTOBER
Bastia Music Festival - Bastia
The "Musicales of Bastia" festival gives pride of place to the songs and music of the deep south. Every strand of
southern music is represented, from baroque to world music, jazz and blues, and of course singing. Prestigious
performers, surprising meetings, budding talents, unsual performances and Corsican creations always feature heavily.
e-mail : musicalesdebastia@wanadoo.fr
Festiventu Festival of the Wind - Calvi
Calvi stages a colourful festival in honour of the wind in all its forms. This well-publicised event features
a unique concept combining art, culture, sport, science and new technologie such as wind and solar power. There
is a wide range of activities for children.
Internet: Festiventu
NOVEMBER
Apple and natural produce festival - Bastelica
This event is organised in recognition of the apple and its special qualities, with two days of discoveries, relaxation
and tasting. Visitors are encouraged to 'sink their teeth into'the natural apple juice, apple jelly, fruit confetionery,
jams and dried fruits. The finest charcuterie produced in the Prunelli Valley and Craft displays also feature at
the festival.
Chestnut Blossom Festival - Evisa
To promote the products of the chesnuts economy, such is the objective of the organizers of this demonstration whose spearhead is the chestnut of Evisa " Insitina " varieties of chestnut offering the characteristic, in addition to its distinctive value, not to present any bulk-heading. In addition the mushroom is associated with this festival.
International Chess Open: chess tournament in Bastia. Tel: 04 95 31 59 15.
Festival of Mediterranean film and Cultures: cinema in Bastia since 1982. Tel: 04 95 32 09 32.
DECEMBER
Fiera di a Castagna - Bocognano
The chestnut fair is considered to be Corsica's largest regional fair. The chestnut
and its different uses are honoured on this occasion, and there is a regional chestnut flour contest.
Tel: 04 95 27 41 76.
Internet: A Fiera di a Castagna
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