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The most fascinating traditions of Calabria: festivals and ancient rites
Land of great civilizations and breathtaking landscapes, Calabria treasures millenary traditions linked to the most ancient roots of Mediterranean culture. Calabrian culture stands out in all its uniqueness through a live show of rituals, celebrations, and folklore. Bewitching visitors with popular events, gastronomic festivals, and religious celebrations, Calabrian traditions reveal the authentic soul of a land proud of its intangible cultural heritage.
The beating heart of Calabrian folklore
Calabrian folklore involves visitors and locals through a rich array of events attesting to the identity and spirituality of the land. One of the most fascinating is Varia di Palmi, a monumental shoulder-borne processional structure over twenty meters high, carried in procession in August to celebrate the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. Listed by UNESCO among the Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, the Varia, also known as Vara di Palmi, symbolizes collective faith and a strong bond within the local community.
Another unmissable event is the Rito delle Pupazze, literally 'Ritual of the Dolls'. During this celebration held during Holy Week, spectacular dolls made of palm leaves and stuffed with fireworks are placed in the city square before they succumb to the flames, a metaphor for rebirth and victory over death. A further event is the historic Carnival of Castrovillari, which has its roots in the 19th century, with parades of allegorical floats, traditional dances, and artistic performances combining satire and folklore.
Religious rites and cultural identities
Religious celebrations represent an emblematic milestone of Calabrian traditions. Among the most intense and dramatic is the rite of the flagellants of Nocera Terinese and Verbicaro. During Holy Week, devotees inflict wounds on themselves with iron "thistles" in an act of expiation and penance dating back to the Middle Ages. The rite, as bloody as it is fascinating, is a vivid demonstration of profound local faith.
Changing scenario, the Albanian spring celebrates the identity of the arbëreshë community, descendants of Albanians who took refuge in Calabria in the 15th century. The celebrations take over the streets with a triumph of colours, traditional costumes, and popular music that bring to life the heritage of a centuries-old culture.
Calabria amid festivals and celebrations
Local gastronomy is an essential aspect of Calabrian culture, undoubtedly as tantalizing as unique. With foodies flocking from everywhere, the Chili Pepper Festival of Diamante is the gastronomic event par excellence. For five days, the city turns into an open-air laboratory of spicy flavours, including tastings, show cooking, and performances celebrating the chili pepper, a key ingredient of Calabrian cuisine.
Alongside this festival, there is an endless number of other events promoting local produce, such as 'nduja from Spilinga, caciocavallo Silano, and liquorice from Rossano.
A journey in Calabria with VOIhotels
A stay in a resort in Calabria by the sea is the perfect choice for those wishing to immerse themselves in the fascinating Calabrian traditions. Located in Simeri Crichi, the VOI Floriana Resort is the ideal base for starting your sightseeing along the Ionian coastline and the inland amid cultural events and jaw-dropping landscapes. Comfortable and thoughtfully designed, the resort boasts exclusive services for a perfect balance between relaxation and cultural discovery.
Nestled into the unspoiled nature of the Ionian coast, the VOI Le Muse Essentia offers a unique experience ideal for nature lovers. Both resorts stand out for their clever use of local produce, creating fabulous gastronomic experiences telling the history and taste of this fascinating region.
