Walking through its historic center, among stone arches, flower-filled alleys and ancient buildings that tell stories without words, you feel like you are walking inside a fairy tale. And then there is the sea, which in Amantea is not just water: it is a mirror of the sky, the border of the soul, the promise of return.

Amantea is that place where time stops, but the heart accelerates.

It is impossible to leave without taking a piece of it with you.

It is famous for its large production of olives and citrus fruits. Among the most important things to visit in Rosarno, we have the Medma archaeological museum, the clock tower and various churches. In addition, at Easter it is possible to attend the religious rite of the affrontata.

The terraces of the walls are now used for highly attractive events such as Lucca Comics & Games and Lucca Summer Festival.

This lamina is closely linked to the Orphic mystery cults and features an inscription in Doric-Ionic dialect that offers instructions for the deceased on his journey to the afterlife. The text provides indications on how the soul must behave in the realm of the dead to achieve eternal salvation, mentioning sources of water and deities such as Mnemosyne, the personification of memory. ​

The lamina was found folded on the deceased's chest, along with other funerary objects. This find represents one of the most significant testimonies of the Orphic cult and eschatological beliefs in ancient Magna Graecia.

“The Affruntata of Rizziconi” is a traditional religious procession held in the town of Rizziconi, in Calabria, Southern Italy, during the Easter celebrations. The name “Affruntata” comes from the Calabrian dialect and means “the encounter.” It symbolically reenacts the moment when the Virgin Mary meets the Risen Christ after His resurrection, often also involving Saint John and Saint Mary Magdalene.

During the event, statues of the Virgin Mary, the Risen Christ, and other saints are carried through the streets by members of local religious brotherhoods. The climax of the procession is the dramatic moment when the statues “meet” in the town square, often accompanied by music, applause, and fireworks. It’s a deeply emotional and symbolic tradition for the community, reflecting themes of resurrection, joy, and renewal

The celebration blends religious devotion with local traditions. The day typically begins with a solemn Mass at the village church, followed by a procession through the streets. A statue of Saint Martin is carried by the faithful, accompanied by prayers, hymns, and often a small marching band. It’s a moment of deep spirituality and community pride.

In addition to the religious aspect, the feast has a festive side. It’s a time when people gather to share traditional foods, especially dishes made with new wine, roasted chestnuts, homemade bread, and other local specialties. Saint Martin’s Day also marks the beginning of the wine-tasting season, so it’s common to taste the novello (new wine) produced that year.

For many, especially those who have emigrated, the Feast of Saint Martin is a reason to return home, reconnect with family and friends, and keep alive the traditions that define the soul of San Martino di Drosi.

For example, the Falcomatà seafront, the National Archaeological Museum where the Riace Bronzes are displayed, and it is also renowned for its citrus fruits, especially Bergamot.

The religious celebrations begin on September 6th with the traditional "Luminario" a large bonfire lit in front of the parish church of the same name.

The Varia di Palmi

The Varia is a very ancient and important folkloristic tradition in Palmi, a city in the province of Reggio Calabria.

It is a sacred representation that takes place every year on August 16th, in honor of the Madonna dell'Assunta.

The Varia consists of a large mobile structure, over 15 meters high, built with wood, papier-mâché and other materials. The structure is decorated with flowers, candles and other ornaments.

During the festival, the Varia is carried through the streets of Palmi by a group of men, accompanied by traditional music and songs.

The Varia di Palmi is a highly felt event by the local community and attracts many tourists and visitors every year.

It is a unique and exciting experience, allowing you to live the tradition and culture of Calabria in an authentic way.

Gioiosa Jonica is a town in the province of Reggio Calabria. The town has many churches and in the historic center you can find: Palazza Amaduri built in 1600, which today part of it has become a library, then there is the Pellicanò castle of 1560. There is also a Roman villa of Naniglio, discovered more recently.

The origins of San Calogero date back to the Neolithic period, when the area was already inhabited. However, it was only in the medieval era that significant settlements began to form. The present-day municipality consists of three distinct centers: San Calogero, Calimera, and San Pietro, each with its own feudal history.

Among these, Calimera is considered the oldest of the three. The town that now hosts the municipal seat was founded during the medieval period, and the name “San Calogero” likely comes from a settlement of Basilian monks dedicated to the saint of the same name. The term “Calogero” also means “monk” in Greek.

Over the centuries, San Calogero came under the control of various families, including the Ruffo family. The earthquake at the end of the 18th century caused significant damage, and the town was rebuilt slightly away from the original site, near areas known as “Il Giardino” (The Garden) and “Le Vigne” (The Vines). In recent decades, San Calogero has experienced a moderate commercial development.

The gigantic votive cart symbolizes the assumption of the Madonna into heaven.

The conical structure reproducing the clouds, the sky with the sun the moon and also the universe with stars, is covered in white and silver papier-mâché.

How you can see, on top there is two people that represent God (the man with the red mantle) and the Virgin Mary( the little girl on the top called "Animella").

There are also other figures that represent angels and apostles.

The machine is carry by 200 carries called "Mbuttaturi". They belong to 5 corporations called: MARINAI"with the colour blue, "ARTIGIANI"with the colour red, "CARRETTIERI" with the colour yellow, "BOVARI" with the colour orange and "CONTADINI" with the colour green.

If you want more information, you can check the official website on internet.

The website is www.variadipalmi.it

Delimited by the sea, Locri offers great tourism during the summer season, with its beautiful beaches and numerous seaside resorts. However, the city is also characterized by vast stretches of land and hills, adding to its diverse landscape.

One of the most characteristic and defining elements of Locri is undoubtedly the Archaeological Park of Locri Epizefiri, one of the most important sites of Magna Graecia. Walking through its ruins is like taking a journey through time: you can admire the remains of the ancient walls, the temples dedicated to Zeus and Persephone, the theaters, the sanctuaries, and especially the famous Temple of Marasà.

This particular layout is not only an aesthetic element but has also played a practical role throughout history. In a hilly territory, building following the natural terraces allowed for the best use of available space and better management of rainwater, preventing landslides and flooding.

Walking through the streets of Cardeto, one can notice how this stepped structure creates suggestive and unexpected glimpses, with stairways connecting different levels of the settlement and offering panoramic viewpoints over the surrounding valley. This peculiarity makes Cardeto a fascinating village to explore, where history and the conformation of the territory merge into a harmonious whole.

The highlight is the famous “Pagnotta alla Disgraziata”, a rich sandwich filled with preserved vegetables, cold cuts, local cheeses, and herbs. They also serve traditional Sicilian dishes, homemade preserves, cheeses, and house wine. It’s perfect for a Sunday lunch or a stop after a walk in the hills.

A place that smells of history, nature, and home-style flavors.

L'evento ricade ogni secondo sabato di settembre, abbracciando quattro giorni consecutivi di celebrazioni e festeggiamenti civili che culminano con il gran finale del martedì sera, quando tutto lo Stretto è illuminato da giochi pirotecnici, allestiti nelle acque antistanti il lungomare Falcomatà.

The Sanctuary of Saint Bartholomew is a church dedicated to the apostle and martyr saint, the patron of the town. It is located in the area of Contura, at an altitude of approximately 950 meters, surrounded by lush forests and natural springs.

The sanctuary was designed and built between 1978 and 1982, thanks to the initiative of the local festival committee of the time, led by parish priest Don Antonio Ritorto, and with the active participation of the Giffone community, which wished to honor its patron saint with a new church.

During the construction of the sanctuary, it was also necessary to build a fountain, known as the “Fontana di Lu Mustazzolaru” or “San Bartolomeo Spring”, which supplied water for the construction works. Today, the fountain is a must-see stop for anyone visiting this sacred place.

In the surrounding villages near Iași, second-day and third-day celebrations often include traditional dances, local fairs, and visits to cemeteries where candles are lit on the graves of ancestors, reaffirming the link between the living and the departed.While Easter Sunday is centered around solemn liturgy, family meals, and spiritual reflection, the following day transforms the sacred atmosphere into one of collective celebration and cultural expression. In villages such as Ciurea, Dobrovăț, and Miroslava, local residents gather in churchyards, public squares, or village greens to partake in communal dances known as the “hora de Paști” (Easter circle dance).These dances are often spontaneous but deeply rooted in ancestral tradition. They are accompanied by live folk music performed by local tarafs (traditional bands), featuring instruments like the violin, accordion, cobza, and drum. Young people, elders, children, and even returning urban relatives take part, reinforcing intergenerational continuity.Another vital part of the Easter dance repertoire is the Sârba Moldovenească, a more dynamic, upbeat dance characterized by quick footwork and energetic rhythm. Typically performed in a semi-circle or line, it showcases the vitality of youth and the skill of seasoned dancers.

Bătuta is a heavier, rhythmic dance performed with strong stomps and punctuated steps. Once reserved for men, today it is often danced by mixed groups. Other dances such as the Brâu, Polca, and Alunelul may also appear, depending on the local tradition and musicians present.These dances are more than entertainment; they function as social rituals with symbolic undertones. They mark the reaffirmation of life after death, aligning with the resurrection theme of Easter. The circular nature of many dances, particularly the hora, is interpreted as a metaphor for cyclical time, rebirth, and the unity of the community.

Moreover, the second day of Easter has long served as a space for youth socialization. Historically, young men and women used these events to interact publicly, assess potential marriage partners, and demonstrate grace, strength, and skill—social currencies in a traditional village setting.

This practice is deeply syncretic, blending Christian resurrection symbolism with pre-Christian beliefs in the return of ancestral spirits during spring festivals.

This tradition blurs the line between Easter and All Souls' Day, offering a culturally distinct way to honor the dead in light of the Resurrection

Each person carefully carries the flame home, shielding it from the wind, as it represents the triumph of light over darkness and divine blessing for the household.