The Corsican summer is a time of celebration, bursting with energy, colours, sounds and flavours. The island’s busy calendar is filled with lively festivals and fairs honouring its rich culture, music, and local traditions. Whether you choose to partake in an intimate village event dedicated to local foods and crafts, join a vibrant beach party under the stars, or witness polyphonic singing in an open-air theatre, one thing is certain- you are bound to experience Corsica’s warm hospitality and convivial spirit.
This guide showcases 30 exciting summer events that unite local communities to enjoy shared customs and identity. For your convenience, I have also included the months of May and September, covering the visiting season’s greater part. Pick your favourite fête and join in the fun, there’s no better way to discover Corsica’s heart and soul.
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1. FETE DU CHRIST NOIR – BASTIA – MAY 3
Fête du Christ Noir, the Feast of the Black Christ of Miracles, is one of Bastia’s most iconic religious events, dating back nearly 500 years. It centres around the veneration of U Christu Negru (the Black Christ), a revered wooden crucifix, which, according to the legend, was recovered from the sea by two fishermen on the night of 2-3 May in 1428. Placed in the Santa Croce Oratory, it is honoured annually with a solemn high mass, prayers, traditional hymns, and a procession which begins at the southern quay near the Romieu garden stairs. The event is marked by a solemn yet vibrant atmosphere, reflecting Corsica’s strong spiritual traditions.
2. A FIERA DI U CASGIU – VENACO – FIRST WEEKEND OF MAY
A Fiera di u Casgiu is Corsica’s largest cheese and local produce fair, which takes place in Venaco, in the heart of Haute-Corse. Producers from across the island showcase a wide variety of artisanal cheeses, made primarily from sheep’s and goat’s milk, and other regional specialities, including charcuterie, honey, wine, olive oil, and baked goods. Organised since 1996, the event features cheese competitions, tastings, workshops, and musical performances. Visitors can meet shepherds, artisans, and local farmers enjoying an authentic rural ambience. Visit https://www.fromages-corse.org/ for more information.
3. FIERA DI U VINU – LURI, OTHER TOWNS – SECOND WEEKEND OF MAY
Fiera di u Vinu is the island’s most popular wine fair, aimed at promoting Corsican wine and local appellations. Originally held in Luri, on the Cap Corse peninsula, it is now organised in the main wine regions over two days, offering tastings, wine and cooking masterclasses, as well as concerts. Upon a prior reservation, you may even enjoy a gourmet meal created by two chefs and two sommeliers who find the best pairings for delicious Corsican products. In 2025, Feria di u Vinu will take place on 10-11 May in the Porto Vecchio marina, before returning to Luri for the 2026 season. On the event’s official website https://fieradiuvinu.corsica/, you will find a detailed program of the festivities.
4. FETE DE SAINT ERASME – SEASIDE TOWNS – JUNE 2
Held in several coastal towns, such as Bastia, Ajaccio, Calvi, Ile Rousse or Propriano, Fête de Saint Erasme honours the patron saint of sailors and fishermen in a captivating tribute to Corsica’s maritime heritage. The event features masses, colourful processions, blessings of boats, fireworks displays, concerts, and lively street festivities. Markets and food stalls offer fresh seafood and local delicacies. Celebrations may span several days around the first weekend of June.
5. CAVALL’IN FESTA – CORTE – SECOND WEEKEND OF JUNE
Cavall’in Festa is a family-friendly horse fair in Corte, celebrating Corsica’s equestrian traditions. The event includes horse shows, parades, dressage, vaulting, pony rides and other activities for children. Local riders demonstrate their skills and showcase native breeds. Visitors can also enjoy carriage rides and learn about the role of horses in Corsican culture. Joyful celebrations are accompanied by live music and on-site dining.
6. CREAZIONE – BASTIA – MID JUNE
Creazione is a festival dedicated to fashion, design, and creativity, infusing Bastia with a cosmopolitan artistic energy each June. Held within the city’s beautiful Citadel, the event brings together Corsican and international designers for exhibitions, workshops, and runway shows. Renowned for high standards, it’s a platform for emerging talent and innovative ideas. Visitors can explore pop-up boutiques, attend workshops on contemporary design, and enjoy musical performances.
7. JAZZ IN AIACCIU – AJACCIO – LAST WEEK OF JUNE
Jazz in Aiacciu is the capital’s celebrated music festival, drawing locals and tourists to its magnetic performances and dance-filled nights. This vibrant fête is known for an acclaimed lineup of jazz and soul musicians from Corsica and beyond. Concerts are staged in open-air venues, such as Théâtre de Verdure du Casone, and historic sites across the city. Creating a lively, sophisticated atmosphere, it’s a superb attraction for music lovers seeking an immersive cultural event under the Mediterranean sky. For details, check the site https://jazzinaiacciu.com/.
8. FESTI LUMI – BONIFACIO – FIRST WEEK OF JULY
Festi Lumi is Bonifacio’s unmissable festival of lights, transforming the ancient clifftop town into an illuminated open-air gallery. Animated by light installations, video projections, and interactive artistic performances, the event offers a unique, dream-like cultural journey through Corsica’s heritage. The 2025 theme focuses on the Mediterranean and local fishing patrimony. Self-guided night tours of the medieval streets start at 9:30 p.m., and a digital map and artist information are available online at https://www.festilumi.fr/.
9. CALVI ON THE ROCKS- CALVI – EARLY JULY
Calvi on the Rocks is one of Corsica’s most famous music festivals, featuring international rock and electronic music artists, performing at venues such as Théâtre de Verdure and Calvi’s beach. The event combines live concerts, DJ sets, and cultural activities, creating an energetic, fun-filled vibe where guests may enjoy music with their feet in the sand and the Mediterranean as a backdrop. Parties continue late into the night, attracting the Corsican youth from around the island. The 2025 edition is scheduled from July 4 to 6, with information available on the festival’s Instagram account.
10. FESTIVOCE – PIGNA – MID JULY
Festivoce is a five-day festival in Pigna celebrating polyphonic singing, contemporary sounds, and traditional music. Artists from Corsica and around the world perform concerts and lead workshops, transforming the village’s stone streets and historic venues into resonating stages. This charming event in north Corsica is known for its intimate, warm atmosphere, emphasising cultural exchange and musical diversity. Details on the festival’s program, tickets and dates are available on this site https://www.voce.corsica/voce/festivoce.
11. FESTIVAL DE MUSIQUE D’ERBALUNGA – ERBALUNGA – MID JULY
Festival de Musique d’Erbalunga, one of Corsica’s oldest and most celebrated cultural events, brings a variety of music genres to the charming coastal village of Erbalunga on Cap Corse. Concerts are held at the open-air Théâtre de Verdure d’Erbalunga, featuring both local and international artists. With easy access from Bastia, the island’s northern capital, ample parking and high-class performances, it’s a perfect occasion to enjoy live music under the Corsican summer sky. Find details and get tickets here https://corsicafestivals.com/.
12. LES NUITS DE LA GUITARE – PATRIMONIO – SECOND HALF OF JULY
Les Nuits de la Guitare is an internationally recognised guitar festival held since 1990 in Patrimonio, on Corsica’s north coast. This famous event draws world-class musicians, from classical guitarists to rock legends across genres such as jazz, blues, flamenco, and more. Concerts are staged in an open-air amphitheatre surrounded by the exquisite Patrimonio vineyards in Nebbio Valley. Due to the event’s popularity, I strongly recommend purchasing tickets well in advance on the official site https://www.festival-guitare-patrimonio.com/.
13. FIERA DI L’ALIVU – MONTEGROSSO – SECOND HALF OF JULY
Fiera di l’Alivu in Montegrosso celebrates Corsica’s delicious olive oil produced on the island for centuries. In a charming village within the Balagne region, exhibitors present olive oil, local foods, and traditional crafts, offering tastings and demonstrations. The fair also features competitions and presentations on the history and role of olive oil in Corsica. Attracting thousands of visitors each year, Fiera di l’Alivu provides a great opportunity to enjoy an authentic, convivial gathering focused on gastronomy and rural traditions.
14. A NOTTE DI A MEMORIA – BASTIA – THIRD WEEKEND OF JULY
A Notte di a Memoria offers a unique way to discover Bastia’s fascinating heritage through a historical reenactment and night-time celebrations. The event commemorates the 17th-century ritual, where the outgoing Genoese governor leaves the Citadel and the new one arrives by boat at the Vieux-Port (Old Port), greeted by a grand procession of over 150 participants in period costumes. This living history lesson is one of Corsica’s most popular events.
15. SORRU IN MUSICA – VILLAGES IN SORRU VALLEY – JULY
Sorru in Musica (https://www.sorru-in-musica.corsica/) is a classical music festival held in various villages of the Sorru valley, such as Vico, Evisa Soccia, or Coghja. Renowned musicians perform in churches, village squares and other open-air venues. As the idea behind this inclusive event is to make classical music accessible to all, concerts are often free or require only a small fee. The festival is also a great platform for young artists to learn, perform, and connect within the musical community. Académie de Musique Sorru in Musica provides masterclasses, workshops, and performance opportunities for emerging talents alongside experienced professionals.
16. RENCONTRES INTERNATIONALES DE THEATRE – OLMI-CAPELLA – JULY, AUGUST
Theatre enthusiasts and aspiring performers will appreciate Rencontres Internationales de Théâtre (https://www.ariacorse.net/rencontres-internationales/), a renowned drama festival held in the remote Giunssani region. Over four weeks, the participants prepare several productions under the guidance of experienced directors, artists, and technicians, to eventually stage the shows in various rural locations. Celebrating creativity and the performing arts, the event encourages cultural exchange, engagement and artistic innovation.
17. AIO FESTIVAL – AJACCIO – END OF JULY
Music lovers should not miss out on the Aio Festival in Ajaccio, one of the capital’s major events filled with captivating performances under the stars, delicious food and wine, and a lively atmosphere. At the Théâtre de Verdure du Casone, you will enjoy pop, urban, and contemporary music, with each concert open by Corsican artists. The festival also includes tastings and various family-friendly activities. On the official site https://www.aiofestival.com/calendar/c/0, you may check the lineup and purchase tickets.
18. NOTRE-DAME DES NEIGES – BAVELLA – AUGUST 5
Each year on August 5, a magical pilgrimage unfolds against the dramatic backdrop of Corsica’s high mountains and the iconic granite needles of Bavella. Since the 1950s, hundreds of pilgrims gather at this glorious high-altitude site, journeying alongside the statue of the Immaculate Virgin, known as Our Lady of the Snows, toward the forest chapel for a time of prayer and reflection. The procession culminates in a Holy Mass, which includes the commemoration of the Eucharist and the renewal of the island’s consecration to the Virgin Mary. The event is accompanied by traditional Corsican songs and prayers.
19. A FIERA DI L’AMANDULU – ARGENO – FIRST WEEKEND OF AUGUST
If you are planning to visit north Corsica in August, head to Argeno for A Fiera di l’Amandulu, a popular almond fair dedicated to this delicious product. Over a couple of days, local farmers, artisans, and food producers present almond-based specialities, pastries, and other regional foods. The event also features live music, culinary competitions, and entertainment for families- an unmissable opportunity to encounter Corsica’s rural traditions.
20. FESTIVAL DE LAMA – LAMA – END OF JULY / BEGINNING OF AUGUST
Festival de Lama is a wonderful, week-long film event held in the mountain village of Lama in north Corsica. Screenings take place in an open-air cinema in a stunning outdoor setting. They include both mainstream and independent movies in multiple languages, focused on rural-centred themes. Here https://festilama.org/, you can find more details and book tickets.
21. NUITS DU PIANO D’ERBALUNGA – ERBALUNGA, BASTIA – END OF JULY / BEGINNING OF AUGUST
Nuits du Piano d’Erbalunga (https://www.lesnuitsdupianoerbalunga.fr/) is a distinguished piano festival featuring several evenings of world-class piano recitals. Renowned musicians from around the world perform in Bastia’s Palais des Gouverneurs and Théâtre de Verdure in Erbalunga. Concerts deliver a superb acoustic and visual experience in an intimate, enchanting atmosphere and a beautiful setting.
22. PORTO LATINO – BASTIA – FIRST WEEK OF AUGUST
Porto Latino is Corsica’ iconic summer music festival showcasing not just Latin rhythms but also a range of genres and international artists. Originally held in Saint Florent, it now takes place in Bastia’s beautiful Citadel. This vivacious event is known for a joyful, welcoming atmosphere, drawing young people eager to dance through balmy summer nights to the beats of salsa and samba. Details and tickets are available from the Porto Latino site https://portolatino.fr/.
23. LES JOURNEES NAPOLEONIENNES – AJACCIO – MID AUGUST
Les Journées Napoléoniennes, a historical festival in Ajaccio celebrating Napoleon Bonaparte’s legacy, offers an engaging way to explore the famous emperor’s heritage. The event includes parades, military reenactments, and street performances, bringing the Napoleonic era to life. The grand finale featuring fireworks and concerts takes place on August 15, marking Napoleon’s birthday. The festival is summer’s cultural highlight, particularly appreciated by families with children and visitors.
24. L’ASSOMPTION – BASTIA, CALVI, AJACCIO – AUGUST 15
Feast of the Assumption, a major religious holiday honouring the Virgin Mary’s assumption into heaven, is celebrated across Corsica. Towns and villages hold special masses, processions, and street festivities commemorating the island’s patron saint. Churches are decorated, and communities gather for prayer and reflection. In Ajaccio, the day coincides with the jubilee of Napoleon’s birth, adding historical significance to the religious feast. Calvi extends the Assumption ceremonies by three days, while in Bastia, a silver statue of the Virgin is carried through the old town’s narrow streets, showcasing the inhabitants’ deep devotion to insular traditions.
25. SETTEMBRINU DI TAVAGNA – COSTA VERDE – END OF AUGUST
Settembrinu di Tavagna is a lively music and cultural festival in the eastern Costa Verde region, bringing together locals and visitors in a festive gathering at the close of the summer season. It features concerts, workshops, and exhibitions, celebrating Corsican and Mediterranean culture. Each night, the event is hosted in a different village where artists from Cuba, Brazil, Africa or France take centre stage. It also often includes Cartoons in Tavagna, an international press cartoon and humour festival, as well as exhibitions and workshops.
26. A SANTA DI U NIOLU – CASAMACCOOLI – SEPTEMBER 8
A Santa di u Niolu is both a prominent religious celebration and Corsica’s oldest and best-known rural fair, held in Casamaccioli. In the heart of the pastoral Niolo region, the event honours the Nativity of the Virgin Mary with masses, traditional chants, and the famous procession called A Granitula. A three-to-four-day rural fair includes local produce, jewellery, crafts, livestock displays and presentations of traditional skills. Drawing visitors from across the island, this five-century-old tradition is a powerful testimony to Corsica’s faith and rural life.
27. NOTRE DAME DE LAVASINA – LAVASINA – SEPTEMBER 8
Each year on September 8th, the charming village of Lavasina on Cap Corse becomes a place of Marian pilgrimage and religious festival centred around Sanctuaire Notre-Dame de Lavasina. Also known as the Lourdes of Corsica, this special church, sheltering a miraculous painting of the Virgin and Child, hosts various ceremonies. A nine-day novena is followed by an evening torchlight procession on September 7, attracting over 3000 people. The day of the feast starts with morning masses and another procession in the afternoon. The event also includes traditional Corsican hymns, such as Dio vi salvi Regina, and communal meals.
28. RENCONTRES POLYPHONIQUES – CALVI – MID SEPTEMBER
Les Rencontres Polyphoniques de Calvi (https://www.rencontrespolyphoniques.com/) is an internationally renowned festival dedicated to polyphonic singing held in the magnificent Calvi citadel. Founded in 1989 by the association U Svegliu Calvese and the acclaimed Corsican vocal group A Filetta, this deeply moving event has become an important destination for vocal ensembles and soloists from around the world. If you happen to visit Calvi in September, don’t pass on the opportunity to experience the magic of beautiful a cappella multi-voice harmonies resonating in the town’s historic corners.
29. FESTA DI U FICU – PERI – MID SEPTEMBER
Festa di u Ficu (https://www.festadiuficu.com/) is an annual fig festival held in the plain of Peri, near Ajaccio, celebrating the island’s traditional black fig variety. Organised for over 20 years, the event features tastings of these mouthwatering, fresh and dried fruits, as well as fig-based products. Local farmers and artisans showcase their goods and share their knowledge on traditional cultivation methods with visitors. In a convivial ambience, you can also enjoy live music, games, and family activities.
30. U MELE IN FESTA – MURZU – SECOND HALF OF SEPTEMBER
If you have a sweet tooth, head to the village of Murzu for a taste of authentic Corsican flavours. U Mele in Festa is a popular honey festival, where over 70 stalls lining the village streets offer this delectable golden nectar collected from different bee species and regions. Visitors can taste and purchase the exquisite local honey (Miel de Corse – Mele di Corsica), meet beekeepers, and participate in demonstrations of honey extraction or educational workshops about apiculture. The fair also features entertainment, children’s activities, and concerts, making it a fun day out for all ages. The official Facebook or Instagram account (u_mele_in_festa_murzu) provides the exact date of the festival, which usually falls on Sunday in the second half of September.
BEST GUIDED CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS
- GASTRONOMIC / CULTURAL EXPERIENCE IN AJACCIO – Enjoy a Corsican meal while learning fascinating facts about the life of Napoleon Bonaparte at the Napoleon Cave.
- CULINARY TOUR OF AJACCIO – Taste mouthwatering Corsican specialities during an exciting culinary tour of the town. A local guide will introduce you to artisanal products and dishes away from the tourist traps. Tastings last for up to 3 hours, and vegetarians are welcome.
- WINE TASTING AND A VINEYARD TOUR WITH A PICNIC IN CALVI– Try delicious Corsican wines on this 3-hour-long vineyard and cellar tour, followed by a picnic of fresh local produce.
- TOUR OF THE BALAGNE VILLAGES – Embark on an exciting tour of the authentic villages of the Balagne. Explore hidden spots and learn Corsica’s fascinating history from an experienced guide. During this full-day adventure in a comfortable minivan, you will also stop for lunch and enjoy a swimming break. Pick up from Calvi, Lumio, Algajola, Ile Rousse, or Lozari.
- BOAT TOUR WITH A MEAL AND SWIM STOPS IN PORTO VECCHIO – Join a 7-hour boat tour with a meal and swimming stops to experience an unforgettable day on the water, sailing along Porto Vecchio’s sublime coastline. Aboard a maritime heritage boat, you will be served a restaurant-style meal accompanied by wine. You will also have a chance to swim, snorkel, paddle or even use a sea scooter. The organiser caters for special needs.
- WINE TASTING IN PATRIMONIO AND SAINT FLORENT – Discover and taste the fabulous Corsican wines with a certified guide. During the 3-hour tour, you will visit wine cellars, stroll in the vines, meet the winemakers, and enjoy a picnic made of fresh seasonal food.
TRAVELLER’S COMPANION FOR A TRIP TO CORSICA – GRAB YOUR EBOOK!
33 Natural Pools and Waterfalls in Corsica
Descriptions – Directions – Coordinates
SPLASH IN CORSICA’S NATURAL POOLS – GRAB YOUR GUIDE
Discover Corsica’s glorious natural pools and waterfalls with a concise guide featuring 33 stunning river spots across the island. Perfect for wild swimming, family outings, and nature exploration, it provides clear access details, GPS parking coordinates, and nearby attractions. From peaceful basins to dramatic cascades, it helps you safely navigate the island’s rugged landscapes and uncover hidden gems beyond well-trodden tourist paths. Ideal for planning unforgettable outdoor adventures, this practical 51-page eBook may become your companion on an exciting journey to Corsica’s pristine rivers.
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