https://www.facebook.com/comunedibagnaracalabra Scents of the sea, authentic flavours and age-old traditions meet in the heart of the Costa Viola. On 1 and 2 May 2025, Bagnara Calabra will host the 2nd edition of the Swordfish Festival, in Piazza Giacomo Matteotti, for a long weekend of gastronomy, culture and entertainment. The event celebrates one of the territory's most representative symbols: swordfish, the undisputed protagonist of Bagnara's cuisine. The kitchen will be open non-stop from 12 noon, with a menu that includes an entrée, swordfish sandwich, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, and samples of Amaro Képhas and Bergamottata. There will also be cultural moments and entertainment. Street viewInterestedFestivalsThe Spicy Night19 - 21 Sep Jul 18 - 23 Aug other dates: Jul 19, 2025, Jul 20, 2025, Aug 21, 2025, Aug 22, 2025 and Aug 23, 2025 Last update: May 2, 2025 6:01 AMContent owned by the Calabria Region | Tourism and Commerce Department issued under CC-BY License Download OFFICIAL TOURIST INFORMATION SITE © 2022 Calabria Region Tourism and Commerce Department Italy — “On our coasts there is … a massive presence of poachers and illegal fishermen,” a fisher in Calabria He said he decided to speak with this team of journalists because increased fishing of declining stocks meant “we are heading toward a point of no return.” But it was not an easy decision: He asked to remain anonymous due to fears of retaliation from other fishers and the local ‘ndrangheta or Calabrian mafia A dozen other sources would also speak about illegal fishing in the area only off the record they are experienced every day just by spending a little time on our coasts,” he said describing illegal activities happening in plain view such as fishing in the river mouth or near the coast and the use of prohibited fishing gear and unregistered amateur boats More than 48% of these incidents occurred in the four regions with a traditional mafia presence The anonymous reports collected by Mongabay are borne out by police inspections and seizures the latter of which is notably coveted and subject to strict Italian and European legislation a joint operation between the Coast Guard and the city of Reggio Calabria’s traffic police seized 1,500 kilograms (3,307 pounds) of bluefin tuna without the required documentation certifying its provenance in the Calabrian city of Villa San Giovanni The seizures are evidence of a supply chain that’s hard to trace Several investigations by the Reggio Calabria public prosecutor’s office have revealed that ‘ndrangheta families control the sale of fish The investigations also highlight other illicit activities conducted in combination with fishing “[T]here have been cases of individuals who have used fishing boats to recover narcotics from the sea that were purposely abandoned in the water,” Giovanni Bombardieri fishers describe difficulties in simply carrying on with their jobs “I started fishing when I was 16 years old and I have done all the jobs in the sea,” Luciano Gioffrè a fisher from the municipality of Bagnara Calabra “My mother was a bagnarota [a worker in the local fishing sector] We have always worked at different types of fishing fishermen complain about Italian and European laws and the corresponding bureaucracy “It’s fair that there are rules but not in a repressive way There can be no generational change,” Gioffrè said lamenting how local young people have turned away from fishing as a career because of the difficulties promote their products collectively and get help navigating all the bureaucracy many fishermen join cooperative organizations such as La Perla del Tirreno di Bagnara Calabra “The biggest mistake [by the European Commission] was to issue regulations that apply to the whole Mediterranean Sea … without thinking that other non-EU countries … are not subject to these regulations,” the co-op’s director he said European fishers hunt swordfish in the same waters as Tunisian and Moroccan fishers but are subject to much stricter regulations: “So they can continue to fish for swordfish with …  tools that are now forbidden for us.” The Mediterranean Sea is experiencing a decline in fish stocks, ranging from 60-90% depending on the species. Sea Shepherd Italia, an NGO patrolling Calabrian waters on behalf of the government blames illegal fishing for environmental damage fishermen do not use large fishing boats but thousands of small ones practicing artisanal fishing,” said Andrea Morello Morello said technology such as satellite tracking devices and modern supply chain tracking systems could help solve Calabria’s illegal fishing problem “the control effectively disappears because they don’t have the EFEs [satellite vessel tracking devices] they don’t have the obligation to use traceability If we ask a legal fisherman if they are willing to have cameras on board they will agree: they have no problem showing legal work.” Banner image: A wall decoration depicting a bagnarota a traditional worker in the fishing sector of Bagnara Calabra Image by Monica Pelliccia and Alice Pistolesi for Mongabay Illegal bottom trawling widespread inside Mediterranean marine protected areas FEEDBACK: Use this form to send a message to the editor of this post The “fortress conservation” model is under pressure in East Africa as protected areas become battlegrounds over history and global efforts to halt biodiversity loss Mongabay’s Special Issue goes beyond the region’s world-renowned safaris to examine how rural communities and governments are reckoning with conservation’s colonial origins and trying to forge a path forward […] This alone would be enough to make it a monument The award-winning design was conceived in 1967 by engineer Silvano Zorzi one of the leading lights of the 20th century and it has withstood the test of time so completely that when the Salerno-Reggio Calabria motorway was rebuilt it started with a simple plan: save the Sfalassà It took 1,441 days to build the Sfalassà viaduct and each of them – for those working on the construction site – was a feat. Strong winds, rainy winters, salt from the sea, steep and crumbly slopes, marshy support structures: the bridge’s builders had to face all this more, and then repeat the experience in 2008 when it was renovated. The viaduct’s design was unique, because Zorzi solved the problem of these demanding environmental characteristics by adopting the solution of a thrust-bearing arch. In addition to the two 125-meter-high (410-foot-high) piers, the engineer also planned two oblique struts (the largest in the world in terms of size) that unloaded part of the weight of the span onto the mountain slopes. At the time of its inauguration, it was the longest in Europe. Because of these exceptional technical characteristics, together with the commitment and skills of the workers involved in the construction, the Bagnara bridge won the CECM, Europe’s highest recognition for infrastructure projects, three times, in 1968, 1970 and 1972 — a record at the time. This also explains why protecting that engineering monument, maintaining it, modernising it and integrating it with the new motorway would soon become a challenge at least as complex as that of its construction. To the engineers and technicians who were faced with the challenge of latching the viaduct onto the new motorway, it soon became clear that it would be the motorway that would adapt to the Bagnara bridge and not vice versa. “Our task was to preserve the Sfalassà by modernising it,” says Umberto Cardu today, the technical director of operations of the fifth portion of Salerno-Reggio Calabria, who is also responsible for the work on the bridge. “A complex task precisely because of its unique characteristics.” “In essence the entire central body of the Sfalassà (the two central piers 125 meters high, the oblique struts and the span of 376 meters) has remained intact,” said Cardu. “We have rebuilt the ends of the bridge adapting them to the route of the route of the new highway. We were able to achieve this without closing traffic on the carriageway not affected by the works.” In addition to construction of the new approaching viaducts, however, the bridge’s main span (Grande Span) was also maintained and modernised. “The viaduct had endured over 40 years of traffic and it was necessary to check its condition and upgrade the metal deck, re-doing almost all of the solderings under the direction of the Italian Soldering Institute,” said Cardu. “At the same time, we prepared the metal crossing for its future enlargement.” These works on the span were accompanied by work on piers 3 and 4, the two giants in reinforced concrete that had been damaged by erosion from the natural elements and needed to be stabilised. “On the piers, we made a new reinforced concrete coat 30 metres (98 feet) high to guarantee the stability of these giants,” says Cardu, adding that the concrete cover of both piers was also re-done. This series of complex activities had been planned down to the smallest detail. But the real challenge was dealing with the effects of nature. The sea is just a stone’s throw away, but in winter the peaks of the Aspromonte region become one of the rainiest areas in Italy. Heavy rain, beaten by the wind, soaks the mountains increases the risk of landslides. The “battle” for the Sfalassà was also about creating the optimal safety conditions for the people who worked there. “Part of our job,” continues the technical director, “was dedicated to the construction of the tracks needed to bring the concrete mixers down to the valley, and to stabilising the slopes that otherwise may have collapsed at any moment.” The environmental protection requirements called for the removal of all the old materials and the re-planting of the slopes with trees and natural vegetation. “Working on the Sfalassà was one-of-a-kind for its complexity, but to think back on it today, several years later, it was one of the most exciting jobs of my career,” says Cardu. “A constant struggle of man against the elements.” A struggle conducted with ingenuity and respect, to protect a monument of Italian engineering. Choose from the categories that interest you to recive the latest articles just published. 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manual labour in the open air The province of Catanzaro offers a wide choice of experiences in educational farms in Calabria, all along the Costa degli Aranci and the hilly hinterland Fourteen didactic farm proposals in Catanzaro and its province In Cardinale, the "Land of the Tonda di Calabria Hazelnut" we find the Rotiroti Educational Farm (milk production and processing chain) and the De Giorgio Educational Farm (a day of farmyard animals and garden produce) Those in search of an educational farm in Cosenza and its province are spoilt for choice offers a variety of workshops and outdoor activities that will make your visit unforgettable Educational Farm La Locanda dei Cocomeri and Educational Farm Garrafa which offer an educational tour of greenhouses There are two main educational farms in Calabria in the province of Crotone: Five educational farm proposals in Vibo Valentia and province: the Educational Farm "Terre di Zoe" operates (workshops from October to May on the life cycle of fruit plants a visit to the processing workshop and artistic handicrafts) and the Educational Farm "Mafrica" (specifically on oil and the oil mill https://calabriastraordinaria.it/en/news/educational-farms-in-calabria-for-families-and-children You might be interested inSport and natureCalabria seen from above: hot air ballooning, paragliding and hang gliding2024-02-16 08:21:58 Content owned by the Calabria Region | Tourism and Commerce Department issued under CC-BY License ShareSaveLifestyleTravel3 Fabulous Italian Rivieras You Probably Don't Know About But ShouldByCatherine Sabino The word for coastline in Italian is riviera although when used with a capital R it has long referred to some the most glamorous beachfront in the world—the Côte d’ Azur and that swirl of idyllic terrain winding from Ventimiglia to La Spezia known respectively as the French and Italian Rivieras returns to Calabria frequently for both business and pleasure “I love that it’s so unspoiled and untouched by international tourism,” she says “The dollar goes further and the hotels are still reasonably priced.” Like the Italian Riviera and the Amalfi Coast three of Calabria’s rivieras—the Riviera dei Cedri Costa Degli Dei and the Costa Viola—face the glittery Tyrrhenian Sea a part of the Mediterranean that rims Italy’s west coast (There are other delightful Calabrian beach areas on the Ionian Sea Montillo tells us about her favorite spots along these magnificent coastlines (organized from north to south) Where it is: Reaching from Tortora in the north to Paola in the south Why it’s special: In addition to extraordinary natural beauty with “panoramic views there are many castles and towers to explore,” says Montillo "The boardwalks are perhaps the best in all of Calabria gives the optical illusion that it is lit from the bottom Praia a Mare has many pedestrian-only streets “Because the town is basically on the edge of a cliff If you’re looking to cool off from the sun’s scorching blaze “It’s nice to walk around this small fishing village have distinctive artwork painted on the facades so the beaches are sometimes crowded—a good time to go shopping instead There are great opportunities for shopping with stores selling both high-end items as well as locally-made crafts.”     View of the Costa degli Dei from Capo Vaticano Where it is: The seaside between the towns of Pizzo and Nicotera Why it’s special: “They don’t call it the Coast of the Gods for nothing,” says Montillo the sand is pure and the grottos are breathtaking many only reachable by boat.” Montillo describes this area as “picturesque authentic,” and says that while the beaches are stunning “all the towns on the coast are worth exploring They offer visitors a real view of everyday life which I think is lost sometimes when visiting Amalfi or the Riviera.” offers a large stretch of beach and is less crowded than Tropea The marina provides a great view of local life as you’re likely to run into fishermen setting off or returning from a day at sea.“  (Photo by Education Images/UIG via Getty Images) “It has become a bit of a tourist destination Most of the visitors are Italians traveling south for the summer or other Europeans The rest of the world hasn’t yet figured out how beautiful it is—the beach is striking and resembles what you’d find in the Caribbean and the historic center is a perfect spot for taking an evening passeggiata mostly reserved for private beaches with a few select areas open to the public but the water is clear and among the cleanest in Italy Tropea does get crowded in July and August The waters of Capo Vaticano change color depending on location Capo Vaticano (a coastal area in the town of Ricadi) “The waters of Capo Vaticano change color depending on location and provide for an impressive view when looking down at the sea from the surrounding hills ideal for folks who don’t like the crowds in Tropea making it more attractive than other areas that can be rocky.” Where it is: The Violet Coast is the seaside area between Palmi and Reggio Calabria Why it’s special: “At sunset the reflections on the water are incomparable No two sunsets are the same,” says Montillo endured several severe earthquakes over the centuries In 1908 the town was nearly destroyed; the lengthy reconstruction that followed gave the town “a more modern appeal than other local areas,” says Montillo even though the restoration referenced earlier period styles Montillo describes Palmi “as a small jewel with long boardwalks that just call a visitor to sit down and wait for the sunset enjoy watching the fishermen return in the evening with their daily catch.” “This area is currently enjoying some tourist recognition so the town is getting updates with new shops to accommodate visitors but can become somewhat crowded in peak summer months the Straight of Messina and those violet waters from the nearby hills." (Photo by Stefano Guidi/LightRocket via Getty.. Scilla Marina (a part of the town with a long sandy beach) It is the most popular marina on the Violet Coast The atmosphere is lively and there are many restaurants to choose from.” The fishing quarter associated with the noble Ruffo family since the 16th century and dramatically perched on a steep cliff “The castle is particularly beautiful at night,” says Montillo or the larger boats fishing for swordfish here." especially along the the Violet Coast and fresh tuna is readily available and typically served simply floured and fried--they're delicious with just a squeeze of lemon You will also do well by ordering barracuda yellowtail fish (ricciola) and mussels (cozze) Don’t be surprised to see spaghetti prepared with squid ink on Costa degli Dei menus.” often sautéed as a topping for locally caught swordfish Be sure to try the ‘nduja when visiting Capo Vaticano a prized treat with its own annual festival The very spicy spreadable pork is not for the faint of heart You can’t visit Pizzo Calabro and not enjoy their famous tartufo It’s a delicious ball of hazelnut gelato filled with chocolate cream and dusted with a generous amount of cacao to resemble a real truffle "While red wines are mainly produced in Calabria [in summer you might want to try] the delicious rosatos from the Cirò DOC arguably the most famous wine zone in the region made from Gaglioppo grapes; and the Val di Neto Rosato from Librandi Terre Lontane." How to get to there: Fly into Rome then connect either to Lamezia Terme International Airport (for the Costa dei Cedri and Costa degli Dei) or Reggio Calabria Airport (for the Costa Viola) Italian historical drama The Lions of Sicily (I Leoni di Sicilia) is set for its global streaming premiere on Disney+ and Hulu Based on the novel The Florios of Sicily by Stefania Auci The Lions of Sicily dramatizes the epic story of the Florio family “the uncrowned kings of Sicily.” the eight-part drama sees brothers Paolo (Vinicio Marchioni Luisa Spagnoli) and Ignazio Florio (Paolo Briguglia Solo) leave Calabria’s poverty-stricken Bagnara Calabra for Palermo where they open an apothecary and quickly become wealthy Following in their footsteps is Paolo’s son who transforms the Florio family business into a bona fide empire during the years leading up to the Unification of Italy Vincenzo aspires to be treated as an equal by the nobility of Palermo a quest that requires him to marry an aristocrat he falls madly in love with middle-class Giulia Portalupi (Miriam Leone Giovanna’s Journey) and sacrifices his desires for nobility The Lions of Sicily premieres with the first four episodes tomorrow, Wednesday, October 25, as a Hulu Original exclusively on Hulu in the US, and as a Disney+ Original exclusively on Disney+ in the channel’s global territories affiliate links on this blog allow us to earn income from qualifying actions (at no extra cost to you) More titles on our DVDs page Italian crime drama Cold Summer has premiered in the US Sign up for free trials to streaming channels on Prime Video Channels Where to stream filmed adaptations of Shakespeare’s works in the US Students & young adults, sign up now for a 6-month trial of Prime for $0! Practical things to know about FAST free video streaming Check now to see if you’re eligible to access all of Prime for just $6.99/month. Sign up for Amazon Business to help reduce costs at your business. The weather conditions are⁤ rapidly deteriorating over much of Italy ‍due⁤ to the arrival of a vast⁣ Arctic incursion that will have significant ⁢effects⁤ in the next 72 hours.It is a stream of cold air of Arctic origin that is sliding into the Mediterranean taking advantage of the absence of⁤ the anticyclone which will ⁢remain‌ distant at least until the ⁤beginning of ⁣ 2025 ‍ ‍   This Arctic disturbance is manifesting through strong mistral⁣ winds over Sardinia which will tend⁣ to intensify hour by hour,⁤ reaching a peak between December 23 and 24.⁢ The strong wind will give rise to an imposing storm surge over the entire ⁣ central-southern Tyrrhenian and the Sardinia Channel.The most critical situation​ is expected between Calabria,‌ Sicily where sea force 6 ‍ is expected in the next ‍18 hours Rough sea or even very rough sea ⁤ is expected‍ on the coasts ⁣of western⁤ Sardinia waves up to 20 feet will crash on the coasts with⁤ the risk of significant damage especially in the areas most vulnerable‍ to powerful storm surges Special ⁢attention will be needed especially in the localities of Palermo the risk of dangerous and damaging storm surges ‌will ⁢persist at least until the evening of⁤ Monday   The sea will also be very rough in the central Tyrrhenian and ‍along the entire Adriatic coast especially between Marche ‌and Puglia.A gradual improvement in sea conditions will arrive between December 24 and 25 but it ⁢will still remain in a⁣ context of very rough or rough sea.The strong north wind will persist with ​gusts locally exceeding 37 mph over much of Central-Southern Italy ‍  ⁢ ⁢ The weather will undergo a gradual improvement ⁣on ⁢ Boxing‌ Day,⁤ thanks to the definitive departure of the disturbance.However we⁢ are still awaiting other possible cold incursions ⁤from Eastern Europe in the following days https://calabriainfinitecycling.it/Cycling, exploring, living: ‘’BAM! On the Road - Calabria Edition‘’ arrives in Calabria, a 400-kilometre-long two-wheeled adventure through breathtaking landscapes, small villages and two seas. From 19 to 23 May 2025, cyclists from all over Europe will set off to discover the most authentic face of the region, amid unspoilt nature, culture and conviviality. Four stages will wind their way through Sila, Serre and Aspromonte, for an immersive itinerary made possible thanks to the synergy between Sognare Insieme Viaggi, BAM! - Bicycle Adventure Meeting (Europe's largest event dedicated to cycle tourism), the international collective Enough Cycling and the Ciclovia dei Parchi della Calabria. The route opens on 19 May with a magical evening among the Giants of Sila, amid tastings of typical products and stories of constellations under the clearest southern sky, narrated by an astrophile. From then on, every day a new stage: Street viewInterestedSport58th Strait CrossingJul 31, 2022 Jul 18 - 21 Sep other dates: Jul 19, 2025, Jul 20, 2025, Aug 25, 2025, Aug 26, 2025, Aug 27, 2025, Aug 28, 2025, Aug 29, 2025, Aug 30, 2025, Aug 31, 2025, Sep 20, 2025 and Sep 21, 2025 Point of interestSpezzano della Sila Point of interestSpezzano della Sila Point of interestSpezzano della Sila Last update: May 1, 2025 6:01 AMContent owned by the Calabria Region | Tourism and Commerce Department issued under CC-BY License rituals and festivals of the Calabrian 15th AugustTradition and folklore Midsummer festivals in Calabria are an experience of fun and conviviality not to be missed Whether one chooses the seaside or the mountains 15th August in Calabria is synonymous with large tables in the company of family and friends who often return from faraway places of emigration: festivals and religious feasts bonfires and all that a welcoming region knows how to give its visitors you too will be a guest in the family and not a tourist The Calabrian 15th August is a whirlwind of popular and religious festivals bursting with the traditional fireworks that end them late at night Many initiatives animate the liveliest week of the summer from the north to the south of the region: barbecues The historical significance seems to go back to a precise date when on the occasion of the Feriae Augusti the peasants could enjoy a break from work in the fields in honour of the Emperor Octavian Augustus the celebrations lasted throughout the month of August Today's sense is not so different: in Calabria sea and mountains are populated by holidaymakers eager to unplug from the city and work If you love getting lost amidst the bright colours and shouting of stalls and markets don't miss the traditional 15th August fairs in Calabria There is something for all tastes and in all provinces which celebrates 15th August with the Portosalvo Fair Fairs and markets are linked to the religious celebrations in honour of Our Lady of the Assumption into Heaven which is celebrated everywhere on 15 August and are often accompanied by the evocative boat processions of the "Madonna a mare" that are widespread in many coastal localities in Calabria: from the aforementioned Soverato and Vibo Marina via Catanzaro Lido and the Lakes of Sibari to Cassano all'Ionio in the province of Cosenza (to name but a few of the most famous) Another unmissable ingredient of 15th August in Calabria is food declined in dozens of typical festivals with products from the sea and the mountains A "must" of the mid-August week in Calabria are the Stocco festivals in the province of Reggio Calabria in Mammola and Cittanova (known as the "National Feast of Stocco") Two localities that put the same product on the table each with its own variations but both renowned for the excellent processing of stockfish which is a true regional gastronomic brand in these parts the Swordfish Festival is celebrated in the first week of August: this time we are in Bagnara Calabra another sacred place for traditional Calabrian fishing don't miss the big summer festivals that criss-cross all the provinces with concerts theatre festivals and outdoor performances in the region's most beautiful nature and archaeological parks To the faithful and fans of religious and popular traditions we recommend not to miss some of the most important 15th August Marian festivals in Calabria being recognised as a UNESCO Intangible Heritage Site is the evocative procession of the Varia di Palmi Borrowed from the more famous Varia di Messina following the miraculous twinning that united the two cities at the time of the plague (1575) the Varia di Palmi stages one of the most sumptuous so-called "large shoulder machines" in the Mediterranean: a huge 16-metre high sacred chariot representing the universe and the Assumption into Heaven of the Virgin carried on the shoulders of 200 bearers ('mbuttatùri) on top of which are tied tightly together small flesh-and-blood figurines San Rocco is the protector of travellers as a pilgrim and thaumaturge in his own right This heartfelt devotion is manifested in many Calabrian localities both in the province of Reggio Calabria (one on the Tyrrhenian Costa Viola Official iconography depicts him with a cloak ready to help the simple people he meets along the way is honoured with a long night-time torchlight procession and a series of sacred and profane celebrations that continue for several days But it is in Gioiosa Ionica that devotion to Saint Rocco finds one of its most fascinating popular expressions the celebrations culminate in the traditional votive dance accompanied by the so-called "drums of Saint Rocco" an event that combines Mediterranean music https://calabriastraordinaria.it/en/news/15th-august-in-calabria-between-the-sacred-and-the-profane You might be interested inSport and nature3 places to visit in Calabria in winter2025-04-04 07:38:41