EASYROME

Calabria is the toe of the Italian boot, kicking the football which is the island of Sicily. Calabria is almost surrounded by water; there is the Gulf of Taranto to the northeast, the Ionian Sea to the south, and the Tyrrhenian Sea to the east. Given that it is so far south, spring starts early here but you may be in for some surprises, especially in early spring. Calabria's festivals fall into two basic categories: gastronomic and religious. Given this region's strategic location it has undergone extensive Ancient Greek and Roman, Norman and Byzantine, French and Spanish influences. Talk about multiculturalism! Each conqueror left more than a trace. You'll love the festivals and the food.

The month of March here means the Reggio Calabria Orange and Lemon Fair, including dried fruit and traditional wines of Calabria. This international exhibition is held in Reggio di Calabria, the regional capital and largest city whose population is about 185 thousand, that is just a short ferry ride from the island of Sicily.

The city of Corigliano Calabro with a population of about 40 thousand is located near the Gulf of Taranto in eastern Calabria celebrates their patron saint, St. Francis of Paola, on April 25. Old-timers in the Saint's native city of Paola, Calabria located on the western coast still talk about a modern miracle. Towards the end of World War II the frightened populace was hiding in the Monastery of St. Francis of Paola. An almost 200 pound (80 kilogram) fell into the crowd, but did not detonate.

Who would associate camels with southern Italy? During the first week of May, the town of Tropea, population about 7 thousand, about 65 miles (105 kilometers) north of Reggio di Calabria, holds its Camel festival to commemorate the citizens' victory against the Saracens. It seems their leader was condemned and burned with his soldiers after riding a camel down the streets of Tropea. By the way, the town is beautiful, the beach is great, and the local red onions are delicious. I cannot comment on their red onion ice cream, but maybe next time I'm there...

On the second Saturday of May the village of Galatro, population 2 thousand, located some 35 miles (60 kilometers) northeast of the regional capital holds its annual Olive Oil Festival. In the evening you'll enjoy open-air jazz and the liquid to taste switches from olive oil to wine. The walled city of Badolato, population about 3 thousand, located on the eastern coast of Calabria hosts a Calabrian Renaissance Festival held on local beaches. Activities include the Joust on Horseback, the Living Chess Game, Earthquest's Birds of Prey, the Sturdy Beggars Mud Show, and an improvisational comedy of Ask the Village Idiot. You won't believe the costumes until you see them.

Levi Reiss has authored or co-authored ten books on computers and the Internet, but he prefers drinking fine Italian or other wine, accompanied by the right foods and people. He teaches classes in computers at an Ontario French-language community college. Visit his Italian travel website http://www.travelitalytravel.com which includes information on Italian wine and food.

Article Source: ArticleSpan