If you have decided to spend your holiday in Cilento, then you should not miss these events that will take you on a discovery of ancient and new traditions! One of the most striking events is certainly the Balloon Festival, organised in Paestum between late September and the first week of October. This international gathering includes some 30 hot-air balloons from different parts of Europe, and involves thousands of enthusiasts every year. Near the imposing Temples, one can witness thrilling take-offs and spectacular flights, and for the more adventurous who wish to experience this event to the fullest, it is possible – for a fee – to board a balloon and enjoy the scenery for about an hour! In addition, the festival is enriched by side events such as street performers and tastings of typical products, while the entire area has a children’s playground, a restaurant and a bar.
Of a completely different profile is “Segreti d’Autore“, a festival conceived by Ruggero Cappucci and Nadia Baldi and held between the months of July and August in Cilento’s smallest village, Serramezzana. The festival, which takes place in the heart of the National Park, revolves around the importance of legality, theatre, science, art and environmental issues, especially for young people. Enthusiasts will be able to attend free photographic exhibitions, shows, educational meetings, seminars and guided nature tours, rediscovering and rediscovering the beauty of the land that saw Parmenides and Zeno as protagonists. Over the years, this important cultural event has involved leading personalities such as Luca Zingaretti, Franco Battiato, Benedetta Palmieri, Enzo Avitabile, Peppe Servillo and James Senese.
Launched in 2003, the Jazz in Laurino – organised by the Liberi Suoni cultural association and the Municipality of Laurino – brings the overwhelming notes of jazz to the heart of the Cilento Park in August and transforms the small village into an authentic musical city, where numerous events can be enjoyed. A five days of high quality concerts, courses and masterclasses for students who will be able to perform on stage after their afternoon classes, and a scholarship named after Dennis Irwin for bands from music high schools. Detailed information and online ticket booking can be found at www.jazzinlaurino.it.
During the summer months, the Cilento, in addition to offering beautiful beaches, will allow you to savour all the flavours of the food and wine traditions of its generous territory. One of the most popular festivals is the one dedicated to the antique Cilento pizza. During the first week of August, the historic centre of Giungano will take on the guise of a veritable garden of flavours, where all the ingredients of the true recipe for this delicacy will be celebrated: from durum wheat flour, to extra virgin olive oil, to seasoned goat’s cacioricotta cheese. But there will also be other culinary proposals that will surprise your palate, such as zeppole, fried pizza, lasagne with chickpeas and new potatoes fried in their skins. And for the entertainment of young and old, puppet theatre and talented street artists! Also during the first days of August, in Montano Antilia, a charming village located 700 metres above sea level and easily accessible from coastal areas such as Palinuro and Marina di Camerota, the festival of Fiuriddi e Ruspitieddi animates the entire village. The classic fritters, stuffed with anchovies or zucchini flowers, are very popular with the locals, and together with fresh pasta and ‘scauratielli’, sweets dipped in honey to be eaten as soon as they are fried, they become the mainstays of the table!
In Moio della Civitella, on the other hand, the Mojoca Festival is staged, the event dedicated entirely to street artists and which has now become an institution. During the first days of August, the squares, glimpses and alleyways of the historic centre are transformed into veritable stages where musicians, jugglers, clowns, mimes and talented acrobats take turns in truly unique performances. From the afternoon until 2 a.m., a thousand colours will form spectacular plays of light, making the atmosphere more joyful and fun! In addition, for children and young people, magic, guitar, percussion and puppet-building workshops will be organised from 5 p.m. in the various village squares.