Colors of Corse - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

To get acquainted with the culture and traditions of local people you have to visit one of their national holidays. Every year in Corsica interesting festivals and religious celebrations, competitions and fairs are held. No matter what is the subject of a holiday, it is always accompanied by performance with folk music, dancing and tasting of special treats.

Every year, on August 12, a competition of bell ringers is held in Piodzhiolle town. Music lovers will be interested in visiting the town of Surman, where, on August 25, the best violinists of the island show off their talents. It is a bright and colorful festival, which in addition to musical performances includes parades and festivities. One of the most unusual events takes place in Calvi. Wind festival starts on February 29 and usually lasts for four days.

This holidays is dedicated to environmental issues; topics related to rights and freedoms of people are also discussed there. The festival is visited by a huge number of foreign travelers; there are active environmentalists, social scientists, writers, musicians and psychologists among them. Scientists present their latest developments aimed at prudent use of natural resources. During the event, interesting art exhibits and lectures are held; an excellent entertainment program is organized for children. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Competitions in so-called air sports have also gained an immense popularity. Paragliding and hang gliding, sailing, jumping, skydiving and ballooning are usually included in a festival program. Each year several thousand people are involved in the organization of this important event. The number of visitors is growing rapidly and counts more than 50,000.

Music fans would be glad to visit Bastia Music Festival, which is usually held in mid-October. The event resides world-famous music bands; besides, holidaymakers always have an opportunity to visit performances of local musicians. Representatives of different genres are involved in a concert program, so the festival will appeal to all guests without exception. Those were just a few activities that may interest travelers. Festivals and national celebrations are held in Corsica all year round.

Among other interesting events in Corsica is the festival called Parade Costume, which is annually held in early August in Bastelica (center of the island). Processions are dedicated to Sampiero Corso, the hero of the struggle for Corsica's independence from the Republic of Genoa. The festival includes traditional costumed parades (participants' clothing corresponds to the Renaissance period), theatrical and dance performances. Spectators join the celebration - however, it is impossible to resist, as it "infects" everyone with its cheerful atmosphere. A certain romance distinguishes the festival in Bastelica from other carnivals - on this day, one can often hear the serenades that men sing under the windows of their sweethearts.

Of course, we cannot fail to mention the most famous native of Corsica and that locals always celebrate his birthday with noisy parades. The celebration in honor of the great commander is most widely celebrated in his hometown - Ajaccio. This is about Napoleon Bonaparte who was born on August 15 (this day also concedes with the Feast of the Assumption of Mary). Military parades, exhibitions, fairs, and, of course, traditional divine services in honor of the Virgin Mary - all this awaits visitors to Ajaccio on this day. In the evening, famous musical bands or performers usually come to the capital to give a concert within the framework of the holiday.

The Festa Antica annually celebrated in Aleria (which is on the east coast) falls in mid-August as well. This is a real opportunity to feel the atmosphere of the Ancient World. People dressed in togas walk along the central streets of the city, sounds associated with ancient times are heard everywhere. The festival is joined by restaurants and cafes where at that time guests can taste exclusively Roman dishes. Besides, a fair opens to offer the audience unique hand-made products. The beginning of September in Niolo (Upper Corsica) is marked by holding another interesting fair. At this time they also organize poetry events and contests, which would be of interest to connoisseurs of literature.

Early April in Bastia is dedicated to the annual comic book festival called BD À Bastia. At this time, in Centre Culturel Una Volta, visitors can see people wearing costumes of their favorite heroes, meet comic book illustrators, take part in workshops and just have fun. Festival visitors will be able to enjoy all of the above activities for three days. Each year, a new specific theme should be followed by participants and special guests are invited from a particular country to receive special honor here.