Five quaint villages to explore with added lemons and wine

  • 1 year ago
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Cinque Terre is a picturesque coastal region located in the Liguria region of Italy.

It comprises five quaint villages namely Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare.

The region is known for its stunning beauty, colorful houses, and scenic hiking trails. But apart from its natural beauty, Cinque Terre is also famous for its festivals that are held throughout the year.

One of the most popular festivals in Cinque Terre is the Monterosso Lemon Festival, which takes place in May. The festival celebrates the lemons grown in the region, which are known for their large size and sweet taste. The festival includes parades, concerts, and culinary events, all centered around the lemon. One of the highlights of the festival is the lemon carving competition, where artists create intricate sculptures out of lemons.

Another popular festival is the Riomaggiore Wine Festival, which is held in September. The festival celebrates the wine produced in the region, which is made from the local grapes grown on the terraced hillsides. The festival includes wine tastings, food stalls, live music, and dancing. Visitors can also participate in the traditional grape-stomping competition, where they can stomp on grapes with their bare feet, just like in the olden days.

The Festa della Madonna Bianca is another significant festival that takes place in August in Monterosso al Mare. This festival is a religious procession that honors the Madonna Bianca, the patron saint of the town. The procession starts at the church of San Giovanni Battista and winds its way through the streets of Monterosso, with locals dressed in traditional costumes and carrying the statue of the Madonna.

The Cinque Terre National Park also holds several events throughout the year, such as the Cinque Terre Running Festival, which takes place in March. This festival includes a series of trail runs that take participants through the stunning hills and coastal paths of the region. The Cinque Terre Music Festival is another event held in July and August, featuring a series of classical music concerts held in the churches and piazzas of the five villages.

The festivals of Cinque Terre offer visitors a chance to experience the rich culture and traditions of the region. From the lemon festival to the wine festival and religious processions, each festival has a unique charm and character that reflects the local way of life. So, if you plan to visit Cinque Terre, make sure to check the festival calendar and plan your trip accordingly, to truly immerse yourself in the local culture and traditions.

Photo by Mike L

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