Elba: the magic word for opening up a world of history and flavours

From April to October 2008, the special offers and events for discovering the gem of the Tuscan Archipelago

Culture, wine and fine cuisine distinguish the island that never ceases to surprise. Elba, the main island of Tuscany, takes pride in its history and traditions and is always ready to welcome anyone looking for a unique holiday. Here, nature and adventure go together with relaxation and luxury. The island keeps its local traditions alive while also hosting cultural festivals with an international flair. In short, you’ll never be bored. In March and April, the season is kicked off with two culinary events that revisit traditional flavours. The Festival of the Sportella is held March 24th, 2008 – “Angel Monday” – in honour of Saint Catherine and features the typical sweet eaten during the Easter Holidays. April 14th and 15th Portoferraio is in the spotlight, with “Polpando and the traditional flavours of Elba”: Chef Alvaro Clavoi prepares a mouth-watering array of appetizers and entrees featuring local octopus (polpa). In May, as custom has it, Napoleon is at the centre of attention. A series of events begins (that continue throughout the entire season) dedicated to the Corsican leader: exhibits, concerts, guided tours, conferences, wine and food festivals, in celebration of Bonaparte’s sovereignty on the island, which lasted from May 4th, 1814 to February 26th, 1815. Every Sunday in May the romantic Festival of the Corollo is held in the towns of Campo. Admirers sweetly serenade ladies from beneath their windows, while the girls prepare the typical Elban sweets – corolli – to offer in appreciation of their suiters. Sunday, May 18th Capoliveri hosts the Festival of the Cavatore, which honours the Elban miners and opens with a parade of banners from the mining community, followed by a concert, banquet and a sampling of typical dishes. Saturday the 24th and Sunday the 25th of May the wine and food festival “A sea of flavours” is held in Marciana Marina. With the presence of the most renowned Italian vineyards and chefs from the Elban chapter of the Italian Association of Cooks, the event pays homage to the scents, colours and tastes of Tuscany and the Island. The month of June sees the return of the indulgent Magna Longa, the “gastronomy walk” that each year attracts more eager participants. The wine and food tour departs from the city of Capoliveri and continues along a magnificent panoramic road, reaching the Ripalte Farm. Every 800 metres, wine and food stands are set up with samples of typical island recipes. The evening of Saturday, June 14th is very special in Portoferraio: writers, literary critics and journalists come together for the final ceremony of the “Elban Island Literary Prize – Raffaello Brignetti”. In the month of July, there are two musical events: the Soul Island Festival 2008, linked to the Pistoai Blues Festival 2006, and held in all counties, as well as the second edition of the Elba Island Jazz Festival in Marciana Marina. On July 14th, Capoliveri hosts the commemoration of the “Leggenda dell’innamorata” (Legend of the girl in love), one of the most compelling Elban stories. A breathtaking torch-lit procession of over 100 characters passes over land and sea. In August a number patron saint festivals are celebrated in Elba, characterised by food stands, processions and various shows. In September, the “Elba Musical Island of Europe” Festival is based in Portoferraio. Classical music and jazz concerts, symphonies and dance spectacles are lined up from September 2nd to the 12th. Finally, in October, two lovely events close the holiday season tastefully. The “Grape Festival” is scheduled for October 3rd – 5th in Capoliveri, when the whole town divides up into neighbourhoods for battle in order to faithfully reconstruct the old peasant traditions, with decorations and excitement. The award ceremony for the best neighbourhood is not to be missed. October 26th the Castagnata (Chestnut festival) is held in Poggio di Marciana, with food stands and typical products featuring chestnuts.