Events and festivals in Corsica

When choosing the period and days of a holiday, it can be useful to know what events are scheduled to combine the visit with participation in interesting events.

Indeed, it can become extremely pleasant to find oneself in the midst of popular festivals or celebrations celebrated by the locals.

Corsica during the summer season comes alive with festivities that also involve the local population. In perfect French style, many of the events revolve around gastronomy and local products.

February

A Tumbera – La Fête du Porc Courant

This event held in Renno, in the north-western part of Corsica, celebrates the period of pig slaughter. Very much felt by the local population, it is a typically traditional festival, an opportunity to get to know and approach the most ancient customs of this area.

March – April

Holy Week

During Holy Week, the island is involved in the Passion, the most important event celebrating and re-enacting the Passion of Christ in the Corsican language. In addition to this, there are several Processions de la Semaine Sainte (Holy Week processions), the best known of which are those of Bonifacio and Sartène.

Chestnut Fair

The Merendella is an artisan and cultural gastronomic fair held in Piedicroce in Castagniccia where you can sample many local delicacies.

May

Fête du Christ Noir

This religious event is dedicated to the Black Christ, a statue that was found in the sea near the town of Bastia and became the patron saint of fishermen.

June

Saint Erasme

This is the traditional Fishermen’s Festival held in the towns of Calvi, Ajaccio and Bastia on 2 June. Fishermen’s boats are blessed, religious processions, boat races and fireworks are held.

Festival du Jazz

Also held in Calvi in the third week of June: small but prestigious, it sees the participation of internationally renowned musicians every year.

Fair of u Mare

The town of Solenzana, in the first week of June, comes alive with fishing competitions, sailboat regattas, jet-skiing competitions and fish-based cuisine of course.

Les Voix du Lazaret

A music festival held on the third weekend of June in Ajaccio .

Notre Dame des Neiges

On 5 June, a procession takes place in the town of Colle di Bavella from the village to Our Lady of Miracles, a statue located on one of the island’s highest mountains.

Festimusica

Festival of the culture and traditions of Corsica, Sardinia and Tuscany in l’Ile Rousse on the third weekend of June.

July

Festival de Musique

In the beautiful setting of Erbalunga in early August, you can enjoy this festival of classical music, flamenco, jazz and Corsican polyphonic music.

Country Fair

In Colle di Prato, traditions take centre stage with a country fair where you can see animals, handicrafts, local food and wine products and listen to traditional Corsican polyphonic singing.

Violin and Traditional Instruments Festival

Folk music lovers should head to Sermano, a village near Corte, for a festival dedicated to violinists and folk musicians from all over Europe.

Foire de l’Amandier

In Aregno, a festival dedicated to all products made from almonds.

Settembrinu of Tavagna

To discover the sounds of traditional Corsican music.

Pascal Paoli Festival

Bastia is filled with the sounds of Corsican music.

Fêtes Napoléonniennes

Ajaccio celebrates Napoleon with processions and parades in period dress, re-enactments and celebrations of Napoleon’s birth.

Porto Latino

A lively Latin American music festival in Saint Florent, with performances by Cuban and South American artists and musicians.

September

Notre Dame de Lavasina

There are many religious events in Corsica, but the procession on 8 September is particularly impressive.

Rencontres de Chants Polyphoniques

If you love traditional Corsican music, you should not miss this festival held in the town of Calvi.

Saint of u Niolu

In Casamaccioli you can encounter the spirituality and religiosity of these lands with processions, music and traditional festivities.

October

Musicales de Bastia

The town wakes up with shows and music in the streets.

Festiventu

If you want to go back to childhood, don’t miss this festival dedicated to kites, held on the beach in Calvi. A riot of shapes and colours!

British Film Festival

For a little bit of Corsican culture, a festival dedicated to British filmography takes place in Bastia.

November

Fête du Marron

An ideal festival for gourmets: it is entirely dedicated to the chestnut: excursions are organised in the forests to pick chestnuts and then cook them in the square.