Colors of Ancona - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

For sure, Festa del Mare is one of the most colorful and exciting celebrations in Ancona. The all-time favorite Festival of the Sea has become famous far beyond the borders of the city. Since ancient times, the sea has played an important role for local people. It provided them with food and work, so there’s no wonder why a holiday dedicated to the sea appeared in Ancona. First mentions of Festa del Mare appeared several centuries ago. According to an ancient tradition, the holiday starts on the first Sunday of September and can last up to several days. During this festive period, interesting performances and music concerts take place near the seaside. Tourists and locals like sitting in the nearby restaurants and cafes that offer exclusively seafood and best Italian wine during the days of the celebration.

Historically, the regatta is the culmination of the holiday. Several dozen colorful boats sail to the sea. All of them are beautifully decorated with colorful ribbons, garlands, balloons, and flowers. This ritual is quite symbolic. That is a way to honor the memory of people who died in the sea. Quite often, a religious service accompanies the regatta. Once the sea part of the event is over, the holiday continues on the land. It is the time when visitors are welcome to attend colorful performances. Children will be happy to watch interesting shows and concerts.

In addition, a large number of historical reconstructions and costume performances are constantly arranged. One of the most famous events is the holiday "The Litigation at the Well of Polenta", which takes place in Corinaldo and honors the memory of the victory in 1517. Also in Ancona and its environs, there are often festivals of wine and Italian cuisine, mainly held in the summer and early autumn on weekends. Here you can taste the best seafood, pasta, and wine, feeling the real color of Italy. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

A large fair trade opens in Ancona during the days of Festa del Mare. Besides finest seafood, it’s a great place to purchase beautiful souvenirs and memorable gifts. From early in the morning till late at night, big groups of local people and tourists have fun on the streets of the city. Music never stops and all main streets are lit by sparkling neon lights.

Besides the Festival of the Sea, there is one more famous celebration that all music fans always wait with anticipation. It is Adriatico Mediterraneo that also takes place in September. The festival traditionally attracts numerous music bands from different countries. During the days of the festival, it is possible to listen to the music of different styles in Ancona. However, music is not the only attraction of Adriatico Mediterraneo. Film premieres and theatre performances are also not rare – the cultural program of the festival is quite diverse. Local galleries and exhibition centers host various interesting events where many young artists show their works to the public. As a rule, Adriatico Mediterraneo and Festa del Mare finish on the same day. Many people come to the seaside to enjoy beautiful fireworks and throw several coins to the sea – this ritual is believed to bring luck.

If you want to understand the history and traditions of the region, the best way to do that is to explore the nearby medieval villages. The beauty and rich heritage of these places have earned them the Orange Flag by the Italian Touring Club that guarantees quality and hospitality. Staffolo is the first village that tourists are recommended to visit. It enjoys a breath-taking location on the hills between the sea and mountains that makes it one of the most beautiful of the Marches balconies. Staffolo is the region of great wine, so there’s no wonder that there are some events dedicated to the drink. Don’t miss the Verdicchio Festival in the second week of August. Foodies will be happy to attend the Verdicchio d’Oro national award that is held in September.

Bluefin Tuna Festival in Ancona is a wonderful holiday that will strengthen your health and introduce to the delicacies of the Italian Adriatic coast. Healthy, inexpensive, tasty and accessible all year round - bluefish or, more accurately, bluefin tuna is one of the "main characters" on Italian tables, especially in the cities located on the Adriatic coast. From Friday, March 6, to Sunday, March 8, Viale Della Vittoria Avenue in Ancona hosts the magnificent Bluefin Tuna Festival, a major enogastronomic festival, which will be especially enjoyed by lovers of seafood. During the event, 70 stands will be waiting for you, opened from 9 am to 11 pm. The main stand is entrusted to the chefs of the hotel complex Panzini Senigallia. Here, blue tuna is prepared for visitors in all sorts of options - fried, stewed, dried, marinara, and stuffed with olives delicacies. As the accompaniment for food serves wine from the Marche region.

Offanga and Genga are the next medieval villages worth a visit. The first is famous as one of the most beautiful villages in the whole country. It is also the location of an ancient fortress built by the Maritime Republic of Ancona. Such a beautiful place is like a magnet for all fans of history, so every July the Medieval Festival is held there. It is a truly mesmerizing celebration, during which visitors will see craftsmen and magicians, minstrels, noble knights, fire-eaters, and horsemen. For several days, the village turns into a fairy-tale place and brings everyone to the glorious past of the region.