Festivals in Liguria

Liguria and its provinces have a full calendar of festivals throughout the year, including the Spring Festival and the Festival of the Sea. Here you will find information and a description of the events, with links to their websites where available...

Festivals in Genoa

Regata delle Antiche Repubbliche: The Regatta of the Four Ancient Maritime Republics is held at the end of May and the beginning of June. The boat race is held in celebration of the history of the Maritime Republics of Genoa, Venice, Pisa and Amalfi. The four towns take it in turn to host the event. Genoa last hosted the event in 2004.

• For information call the Genoa municipal offices - Tel: 0185 771 066

Carnevale di Genova: From 18 February to 8 March it is carnival time in Genoa. Celebrations include parades in fancy dress, medieval costume, carnival float processions, children's events and masked balls by the port. Shows and guided tours are also organised during carnival period, as well as special gastronomic evenings in restaurants located around the city.

• See the Genoa tourist board website for details: Click here

Sagra del Pesce: Annual four day festival, with the final and most significant day on the second Sunday in May at Camogli near Genoa. The celebrations, which honour San Fortunato, the patron saint of fishermen, include a procession, a blessing of the fishing boats, street music and markets. On the final day, the townspeople fry fresh fish in an enormous pan and distribute it to everyone. The day ends with a bonfire.

• Sagra del Pesce website

Festivals in La Spezia

Sagra dei Limoni: The Lemon Festival is held in Monterosso al Mare on the Saturday before the day of Ascension at the end of May. The event involves the entire town, with a contest to find the largest local lemon. Lemon decorations adorn the streets and shop windows, as well as live music to accompany festivities.

• The Monterosso al Mare town website has more details

Festivals in Imperia

Festival di San Remo: The Festival of Italian Song was first held in 1951, with only three contenders. The event has now grown into an event of national importance and is always presented by big name Italian stars. The greatest Italian artists have performed at the Ariston theatre and the winning song each year goes down in Italian history.

• Festival di San Remo website