Each year more events are added to the calendar, so this section highlights the most popular. Keep your eyes open for posters or ask the local tourist office for more information.
The fêtes are the highlight of the village social scene and usually all the villagers and their families become involved in the celebrations and welcome visitors to participate and tour their village. There is nearly always an artisan market, with stalls scattered along the narrow streets that provide ideal opportunities to find an unusual gift or trinket to take back home. It is also an excellent opportunity to get a taste of local village hospitality, as there will always be refreshment stalls and places where you can sample some of the local specialities produced in the traditional manner.
Corsica is an island of culture with an abundance of activities that are organised by volunteers passionate about their chosen interest. There is a publication, the 'guide des manifestations culturelles' which gives listings of all the events but this is, sadly, invariably produced at the last minute, which often means certain events have passed before it becomes available. It is difficult to get global information of the events planned for the whole year, so look out for posters and ask at the local tourist offices. The majority of Corsican festivals take place in the summer months when the concerts can be held in the open air.
Here are some local events and festivals:
Religious Events:
March
Fetes de Paques: U Catenacciu - Satrène
The most famous of the Good Friday processions - A chained and hooded penitent bearing a cross, follows a steep route across the town and only the parish curate knows the identity of the penitent.
June
Fete de la Saint Erasme - Ajaccio
Mass and procession honouring the patron saint of fishermen through the streets of the old town and out to sea. The population is invited to come aboard the boats to follow this procession on the water after the priest blesses the boats.
August
Fête de L’Assomption - Ajaccio
In addition to the religious celebrations for the Assumption, there are also commemorative festivities marking the birth of Emperor Napoleon 1st, which makes this date the high point of the summer season in Ajaccio.
Country Fairs:
Second Sunday of April
Journee du Fromage et du Vin - Cauro
On the village square in Cauro, a gathering of producers will sell and give tastings of cheeses and wines from southern Corsica. Enthusiasts of Brocciu will also attend, cooking demonstrations of pastries and cooked dishes.
August
A Fiera di U Turisimu Campagnolu: Foire du Tourisme Rural - Sollacaro
Corsican producers and artisans will show their authentic products (cheeses, wines, olive oil, honey, veal, etc) and will demonstrate local crafts (pottery, basket weaving, wood sculptures). There are donkey and horse rides, plus musical entertainments and a cultural evening with songs and guitars. This is a major event in the region, concentrating on rural tourism.
Cultural Events:
April
Cycle du Film Resistance - Ajaccio
There are seminars, exhibitions; street plays to celebrate this famous Corsican hero.
May
Festival du Film Japonais - Ajaccio
All art and culture of Japan will be celebrated. This new and atypical event in Corsica reveals the great wealth and beauty of the traditions and expression of Japanese art. Famous guests will come and present cinematographic, pictural, theatrical, literary and even gastronomic works!
June
Jazz in Aiacciu - Ajaccio
Jazz Festival.
August
Les Journées Colomba - Fozzano
Celebrates the heroine of Merimées novel with street entertainers and concerts.
September
Festival du Film Italien - Ajaccio
The discovery of countries and their inhabitants through cinema. During this festival, Corsica welcomes directors and numerous actors, with spectators voting after the screening of each film.
Les Journees du Corail et de la Mer - Ajaccio
Coral exhibitions and sales with conferences and activities on the subject of coral.
November
Journees du Cinema Espagnol et Latino Americain - Ajaccio
This annual event is a chance for the Corsican public to see a wide selection of films that have been hits in Spanish speaking countries. There are also cinema related events (shows, dance, theatre, music, photo exhibitions, etc) as well as a film workshop specially for schoolchildren.
December
Festival International de la Bande Dessinee D’Ajaccio - Ajaccio
Comic strips - An international comedy festival.
Sporting Events:
May
Les Regates Imperiales - Ajaccio
Prestigious sailing boats take part in this race, attracting more admirers each year. In addition to being an athletic competition, the event is also a friendly and cultural regatta.
July
Mediterranean Trophy - Ajaccio
An international contest, this sailing competition leaves from and arrives in Corsica and is open to cabin cruisers of more than 9 metres in length.
August
Beach Volley Champoionnat du Monde - Ajaccio
The only Olympic sport that organises its competitions on the beach - Ricanto beach.
