SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY
Reggio Calabria’s rich culture has set the scene for a lively summer of dramatic delights
Text by Francesca Lombardo
With miles of great coastline
in easy reach, Reggio Calabria
makes an ideal base for a
watersports holidayLong neglected by visitors in favour of other beauty spots on the Italian coast, Reggio Calabria, the Calabria region’s principal city, is ready to be rediscovered. Over the centuries Reggio Calabria has inspired poets such as Virgil, Sappho and Dante, and this year the city is undergoing a new cultural renaissance, thanks to initiatives celebrating its natural and architectural beauty, ancient traditions and historical treasures. Tourism is on the up, and Reggio Calabria is attracting the attention of the national media and famous cultural figures, making it both one of the most fashionable and popular destinations in the region.
With its palms trees and exotic plants, the city’s seafront serves as the backdrop for many TV shows, from beauty pageants to events like the Kouros Fashion Prize, which has been staged on the city’s waterfront for two years running. All this has made Reggio Calabria an important port of call for stylists 
The Gothic-style cathedral
in Reggio Calabria has
Norman origin, dating back
to 1061and trendsetters alike.
Meanwhile, the European RTL network broadcast from the city for a month, benefiting from the long southern Italian summer.
Thespians also love the city’s lively theatre scene. For them, a visit to the local Catona Teatro is a must. Every year this theatre holds a festival celebrating the best in Italian and international drama, staging shows on its open-air facilities. Until 24 August, the programme will also draw in big names from the operatic and dance world, who will perform on Catona’s open-air stage next to the sea.
the city’s promenade is
a
buzzing social hubCome September, the spotlights willreturn to the sea. RAI, the Italian radio and television network, returns to thecity once more with the programme An Italy of Ports, which will explore the marine wonders of the coast and its many local mysteries. Then there is the long-awaited Week of the Sea show between 21-28 September, with a line-up of sporting activities, conferences, cinematic exhibitions and open-air shows. Also look out for the festival in honour of Madonna della Consolazione, the patron saint of Reggio Calabria, which takes place on the second Saturday in September and features a parade through the city’s main streets, stalls, amusement rides and dances in the main square.
Left: Reggio Calabria’s Arena Stretto hosts an annual summer festival of music and dance, with shows such asFiesta Flamenca (right) confirmed for this summer
The long summer season in Reggio Calabria always ends with something entertaining, and this year is no exception. September sees the Notte Bianca, an all-night party, which combines shows, discos and concerts, featuring international celebrities, including Duran Duran; last year the event attracted more than 300,000 people. Now in its fourth year, the show will be a great way to say goodbye to the summer, with dancing and entertainment all night long.
www.calabriamagica.com
www.catonateatro.it
www.turismo.reggiocal.it/dblog/