Page 34 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Italian Riviera

32  INTRODUCING THE IT ALIAN RIVIER A
THE ITALIAN RIVIERA

THROUGH THE YEAR

The pleasant and mild, typically Mediter- year round, but there are also numerous
ranean climate, the intense contrasts of light special events which can add extra local
and colour, the romantic coastline and the colour to any trip. These events include
equally fascinating interior have made many religious and gastro nomic festivals,
Liguria a desirable destination for tourists and also historical re-enact ments and
since the mid-19th century. The clear blue regattas – the latter a colourful reminder of
sea, the beaches and the stunning and lush the importance of the seafaring tradition
coastal scenery are consistent attractions all to this part of Italy.

April
Good Friday processions
Good Friday (Venerdí Santo)
have a fervent following,
especially on the Riviera di
Ponente. They are celebrated
with processions in which local
confraternities file past,
with casse (carved wooden
sculptures) portraying scenes
from the Passion. The proces-
sions in Savona and Genoa
are particularly popular, but
similar events take place in
the Ligurian hinterland, too.
Settimana Santa, Ceriana.
Processions of confraternities
and representations of the
The mid-May fish festival at Camogli Descent from the Cross
(Calata della Croce), with
Milano–San Remo (first Sat after religious songs.
Spring
19 Mar). A classic, long-distance
Mild temperatures and pure cycling race. May
air characterize spring in Liguria, Festa di Primavera (all month). Sagra del Pesce (fish festival),
which welcomes visitors with Music, art and flower shows Camogli (second Sun in May).
colour and unforgettable scents. along the Riviera dei Fiori, to A gigantic frying pan is used
The profusion of colourful celebrate the advent of spring. to fry a huge quantity of fish,
flowers contrasts with the blue which both locals and visitors
of the sea and the snow-capped are then invited to eat: a lovely
peaks of the Ligurian Alps. gesture made in the hope
that the seas will be equally
March generous to the fishermen.
Rassegna dell’Olio d’Oliva, Festa della Focaccia con il
Balestrino. This village north Formaggio, Recco (fourth Sun).
of Albenga is proud of its 17 A bustling festival held to
different types of olive. During celebrate the famous cheese
the festival the public can focaccia of Recco, a small
taste different types of oil but gastronomic town just
and olives, as well as other north of Camogli. Abundant
traditional foods. tastings on offer.
Fiera di San Giuseppe, La
Spezia (19 Mar). This immensely Summer
popular festival is held in honour
of the town’s patron saint, San The high season for tourists,
Giuseppe. It offers more than summer is hot and sunny
800 street stalls and vendors, along the coast while it is
and abundant entertainment A cyclist celebrating his victory in the fresher and wetter in the
for all the family. Milano–San Remo race hilly interior.

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