Diary of Events

Learn more about the various festivals and events that are taking place across the year in Valinco & the West Coast, giving you the chance to discover the cultural character of this diverse region.

Cultural & Religious Events:

June

Fête 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.

Jazz in Aiacciu - Ajaccio - June - July 

Ajaccio hosts a jazz festival every year, showcasing some of the most exciting artists of the international and French jazz scene today.

Fête de la Musique - June

Numerous free live music events are held each year across the island on 21st June.

July

Bastille Day - 14th July

A nationwide celebration to commemorate the French Revolution and the end of the 'Ancien Régime' with various parades, night time animations and firework displays.

August

Fêtes Napoléoniennes - Ajaccio - Mid August (including 15th)

Ajaccio celebrates the August birthday of Corsica's most famous son with period processions and a fireworks display.

Fête de L’Assomption - Ajaccio

In addition to the religious celebrations for the Assumption, there are also commemorative festivities marking the birth of Emperor Napoléon 1st, which makes this date the high point of the summer season in Ajaccio.

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.

Festival du Japon - Ajaccio, September

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, pictoral, theatrical, literary and even gastronomic works!

Country Fairs:

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.

Sporting Events:

May

Les Régates 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.