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 Under the sea |
At the bay's entrance Genoa, Genoa Italy +39 (0)10 57 6791 (Tourist Information) |
The statue "Christ of the Depths", fascinating to all, including sub-aqua divers, is on the sea bed, at a depth of 17m, at the bay's entrance. Boats will willingly take you out there, and thanks to the clear waters, and the magnifying equipment they have to offer, everyone can admire Galletti's beautiful statue. At the end of July, there is an evening celebration with a Mass, the illumination of the reefs and a line of underwater torches is lit to show the way to the statue of Christ, at the bottom of the bay. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Pumpkin for everyone |
Parrocchia di San Martino Murta Genoa Italy +39 10 557 4236 http://www.comune.genova.it/ promozionecitta@mail.comune.genova.it |
This tradition dates back to the last century, when on San Martino's day the locals wore a pumpkin flower on their hats as a symbol in support of students. From that tradition came the idea of establishing a festival with the pumpkin as its theme. It takes place every year at the parish of San Martino di Murta (Bolzaneto), on the 2nd and 3rd weekends in November. During the festival you can sample some of the strangest recipes you will ever come across, each with the pumpkin as its main ingredient: from ravioli to risotto, from ice-cream to liqueur. As well as its function as a culinary ingredient, the pumpkin is also the protagonist of many stories, used for decoration and in medicinal remedies. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Hot focaccia |
Various venues Genoa, Genoa Italy |
What is the best known genovese dish? Why focaccia, of course; simple, tasty, soft and chewy at the same time, covered with good olive oil from the Ligurian riviera, and sprinkled with just the right amount of salt. On the fourth Sunday in May, there is a presentation in Recco, and free distribution of the most typical geneovese and Ligurian delicacies, for example: plain focaccia, onion focaccia, focaccia with Recco cheese. This last recipe is the most typical of Recco's gastronomic concoctions, made with a simple flour and olive oil dough, and enriched by the addition of a soft cheese. The bakers are busy baking all day, making dozens and dozens of focaccia which they offer to tourists and visitors. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Fireworks at Rapallo |
Via al Santuario, 24 Santuario di Montallegro Genoa, Genoa 16035 Italy +39 18 79 5161 http://www.santuariomontallegr... info@santuariomontallegro.com |
The most important festival at Rapallo is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, who appeared at Montallegro on 2nd July 1557, where the Sanctuary, built in her honour in 1558, now stands. There are three days of solemn celebration, including religious services, pilgrimages and firework displays rendering honour to the beloved patron of Rapallo. On the 5th July Montallegro hosts the ceremony of the dissolution of the 1657 vow made by Rapallo's Council, for having been saved from a terrible plague. The celebrations take place every year from the 1st-3rd July. How to get there: A12 motorway, Rapallo exit, then follow signs for the Santuario di Montallegro, 11km away. Public transport: by train from rapallo, by cable car to the Montallegro sanctuary. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Poetry and music |
Palazzo Ducale Genoa 16100 Italy stanzapoesia@hotmail.com |
This is a cultural event of great importance, on the theme of the varying tonalities of poetry and its relationship with the other artistic disciplines. It generates interesting and often unedited commissions and collaborations, often set to music. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Musical evenings and cabaret in the square |
Piazza IV Novembre Genoa, Genoa Italy |
The Music and Wave Festival is a successful summer event. Many artists have performed here in the past, including Mango, Fabio Concato, Fiorella Mannoia, Anna Oxa, Marina Rei and Michele Zarrillo. Every year, the best-known singers and cabaret performers of the Italian circuit take their places on the floating stage, in the beautiful setting of the Bay of Rapallo. Spectators can also watch from the numerous screen located along the walkway by the sea. All this fun takes place in July and August. See website for complete yearly particulars. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Bangers and fireworks for everyone |
Edge of Padana Valley Near Uscio Genoa, Rapallo Italy |
On the route that linked the edge of the Padana valley to the coast, near Uscio, stands the seventeenth century sanctuary of Our Lady of Suffrage. In the sanctuary a Byzantine statue of the Virgin is conserved, known as the "Madonna del Fuoco" (fire), which is celebrated every year with a great fireworks display. The festivites begin each year before dawn on the 8th September, when every district of Recco fires 21 shots to salute the Madonna of Suffrage. The areas of the city (Verzemma, Liceto, Collodari, Bastia, Ponte and Spiaggia), collect the necessary money throughout the rest of the year (some ask money from shopkeepers, some suddenly develop green fingers and offer their services as gardeners and odd jobbers to the owners of Tigullio villas). In recent years, in light of its great success, the festival has begun on the 7th September, with the raising of the flag at 9am, accompanied by bangers and spectacular pyrotechnical displays. In the evening there are fireworks on the beaches of three out of the six districts. On the 8th September the city wakes at 3.30a, with 21 gun salutes in each district. Throughout the day there is a background rumble of bangs and explosions. At 9p the procession through the city begins: the statue of the Virgin and the magnificent representations of Christ are carried through the city illuminated by thousands of lights. As they pass by, each area pays homage by letting off bangers and explosions. After the procession the three remaining districts of Recco entertain the crowds with a final firework display again over the beach. It is a wild celebration of sound and light! The festival finishes on the 9th at 6p with the lowering of the flag. During the day the streets of Recco are lined with stalls selling all the favourite Genoese delicacies. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Fry up in the square |
At San Fortunato Genoa, Genoa Italy +39 (0)10 57 6791 (Tourist Information) http://www.sagradelpesce.it/ |
On the second Sunday in May, thousands of guests flock around the giant saucepan, five meters across with a seven-meter handle. For an entire day, the fishermen abandon their nets for sieves, flour, oil and the enormous saucepan with cooks on all sides, surrounded by boys and girls from Camogli who are ready with a smile to distribute the freshly fried fish. The fish is handed out free to those present, so find yourself a prime spot! See their website for event times. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Mimosa festival |
Throughout the city Genoa, Genoa Italy |
This traditional celebration occurs every year on the first Sunday in February. For one day, Pieve Ligure becomes the capital city of this romantic, perfumed clustering flower, with its brilliant yellow hues which are an unmistakable sign of spring. This is why Spring starts in February in Pieve! The thousands who attend can be assured of a wonderful day, full of the perfume and colour of a flower which has become the Ligurian symbol for Spring. This characteristic town, split between the coast and the hillside, reserves a special welcome for those who journey there to recieve the gift of mimosa flowers, to enjoy the music and events, and to sample the delicious sweet dishes and "focaccette". The spectacle continues with the blessing of the mimosa, the celebration of Mass among the flower decked carts which have climbed slowly from the lower parts of Pieve to the church square, the heart of the carnival. Shops, bars and stalls make an attractive frame to this scene of country piety. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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The lovers' festival |
Various venues Genoa, Genoa 16032 Italy +39 (0)10 57 6791 (Tourist Information) |
This festival takes place from the 7th-14th February, during which there are audiences with poets taking part in the "Fall in love with poetry" project: this is a cultural project which will see several "poetic installations" in the streets and more romantic piazzas of Camogli. The collection of all the poems read or exhibited will then be published. In addition, there will be a St. Valentine's market on the promenade, selling leather goods, jewellery, ceramics and wooden gifts. There will also be sweets and cakes made by the Camogli bakers specially for the occasion. There will no doubt be special menus on offer at many restaurants, allowing couples to dine at prices especially designed for the ocasion too. Another project is the "Lovers' tiles", on which you can write your own message of love, and a panel of journalists and artists will select the most beautiful and collect them in a book. Clearly, the most romantic way to reach Camogli is by boat. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Antiques |
In historical centre of Rapallo Genoa, Genova Italy +39 (0)10 57 6791 (Tourist Information) |
The historical centre of Rapallo after its recent restyling is very welcoming and on one Sunday a month it is brought to life by the colourful stalls of the antiques market of Il Tarlo. Here you can find all sorts of things. From old furniture to antique prints and many other old curiosities - clocks, wrought iron objects, radios, pens, telephone cards - the list is justendless. For information, call Associazione Vecchio Borgo (+39 18 527 3092). Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Regattas with the Stars |
Various Venues Genoa, Genoa Italy http://www.regata.zegnaermeneg... |
By now, the Zegna trophy has become a classic event in Mediterranean sailing, and on the first weekend in May unites an elite of sailors from all over the world. Founded in the early 1980s as a sailing exhibition, it has become a vital international meeting. The best known names in sailing, sport, finance and industry can be seen together in this wonderful atmosphere. If your reputation means anything to you, or you want to establish one, you simply have to be seen out in the square eating ice cream and having coffee. However, the greatest protagonist is, as ever, the wind, as it should be in a regatta, as it drives everyone - entrants, judges and organisers - crazy with its whims and unpredictability. Within the context of the show, the various side attractions have become almost as well known as the main events: on Friday afternoon wine and focaccia is served to everyone; on Saturday the "Lifetime in Sailing" prize is awarded to one particuarly noted sailing personality (winners include Paul Elvstroom, Dennis Conner, Paul Cayard, Beppe Croce), or alternatively, every two years there is an award for promising young sailors. On Saturday evening, the excitement reaches a peak with firework displays, theatrical shows and dancing in the square. On Sunday afternoon the prizez are awarded, in the square, and then it is goodbye until next year. Visit website for more details. Review © 2007, Wcities |