In August, while you’re wandering the Italian coasts and islands, know that there are a flood of events, including festivals, concerts, and folk events that you might regret not attending. Following the advice of our experienced boaters, here are nine ideas to make your boat cruise unique. Get ready because more similar articles will follow during this period. Italy is a wonderful country and it would be stupid not to take advantage of it!
Two ideas for unforgettable fried seafood
In August in the south, you can enjoy the best seafood specialties “street food” style. We would like to point out two festivals not to be missed: the first, during the week of Ferragosto (August 12-20), is the Fish Festival in Pozzallo (Ragusa). The fish is fried in a huge pan four meters in diameter that is equipped with baskets connected to chutes, thanks to which the fish arrives on the trays and will be served to you in “real time.” On August 18 in Santa Maria di Leuca (Lecce), don’t miss the Sagra del Pesce Fritto, where a tasty paranza awaits you.
Where & when: Pozzallo (Ragusa), Aug. 12/20; Santa Maria di Leuca (Lecce), Aug. 18
www.sagradelpescepozzallo.com; www.sagrecapodileuca.com/leuca2.html
Some of the most beautiful processions on the sea
There are countless processions and religious festivals in our country. Those by the sea, then, are the most spectacular. We highlight four that we think are not to be missed: starting on Aug. 10 at Giglio Island with the Feast of the Patron Saint Lawrence, with a seafaring palio and fireworks display; on Ferragosto, don’t miss the Feast of the Assumption in Capraia and the Island of San Nicola (Tremiti). And if you’re in the Aeolian Islands, August 24 in Lipari is the feast of St. Bartholomew: first the procession to Marina Corta with the “vascelluzzo” (splendid silver reliquary), then the fireworks display at sea.
Where & when: Giglio Island (Grosseto), Aug. 10; Capraia (Livorno), Aug. 15; San Nicola Island (Foggia), Aug. 15; Lipari (Messina), Aug. 24
As long as there is music there is hope
We highlight some of the best “sea view” music festivals: Infestazioni Soniche (Aug. 2-18) will be at Lido Odissea beach in Vieste, in the province of Foggia. Dj Vietnam, Computer Numerical Control, Mark Morris will play by the sea. In Calabria, between Gizzeria and Pizzo Calabro, Somewhere (Aug. 17-18-19) will be held instead, with many international artists. On the other hand, if you love dance music, Piazzale Scogli rossi in Arbatax, in the province of Nuoro, there will be Red Valley (Aug. 11-15).
Where & when: Vieste (Foggia), Aug. 2/11; Gizzeria/Pizzo Calabro (Catanzaro), Aug. 17-19; Arbatax (Nuoro), Aug. 11-15.
www.infestazionisonichefestival.yolasite.com; www.redvalleyfestival.it
