In the southern part of Italy, in picturesque Calabria, lies Gerace – a town not only enchanting with its medieval charm but also host to one of the most fascinating international street art festivals. Il Borgo Incantato attracts hundreds of tourists and art enthusiasts every year, offering a civilisational palimpsest unique in Europe. Here, tradition meets modernity, offering an extraordinary artistic space against the backdrop of historic lanes where Greek, Roman, and Byzantine traces coexist in an undisturbed urban structure.
The Mysterious World of Il Borgo Incantato Artists
Il Borgo Incantato in Gerace is a festival that has for years attracted art and culture enthusiasts to one of the most beautiful towns in Calabria. Contemporary analysis of revitalisation processes points to Gerace as a model example of synthesis between historical continuity and modern promotional strategy. Recent editions, inspired by past successes, have been rich in artistic diversity, creating a space where tradition meets modernity under the watchful eye of artistic director Luigi Russo.
Artists from around the world have come to participate in this magical event, offering incredible performances in the lanes of this charming town. Among the many talents, both young, promising creators and established artists have stood out, providing unforgettable visual and auditory experiences. The artistic programme features performances by renowned groups, such as the Mexican troupe Quetzalcóatl with their fire ritual and the African group Afuma, performing acrobatics on four-metre stilts.
Music as the Foundation of the Festival
The Musica Incantata category was an essential element of the festival. Magnificent concerts, held in historic spaces such as the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta, literally transported audiences to medieval times. Soloists from the Accademia di Santa Cecilia and the Quartetto di Cremona provided musical rapture, interpreting works by such masters as Vivaldi and Puccini. Interactive performances by marching bands such as Bandakadabra further engaged the public in joyful celebration.
Spectacles and Street Theatre
The involvement of street artists and performance theatres, such as Compagnia Zappalà Danza and Teatro Tascabile di Bergamo, attracted the attention of live art enthusiasts. Thanks to spectacular shows that often engaged viewers in interactive form, the festival pulsed with life and energy. Light installations and performances by groups Mundo Costrini and Teatro Bislacco, which combine high-quality craftsmanship with humour, deserve special mention.
An Innovative Approach to Tradition
Il Borgo Incantato is an event where Italian tradition and local culture meet modern forms of artistic expression. Thanks to bold experiments such as 3D mapping and site-specific performances, the festival provides an excellent opportunity to discover new art forms. The event also fulfils an ethical dimension, exemplified by the Afuma group's support for a circus school in Togo, giving this local celebration a dimension of global solidarity.
| Performance Category | Example Artists | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Acrobatics and stilts | Afuma (Togo) | Elegance of movement and circus tradition |
| Fire spectacles | Quetzalcóatl (Mexico) | Ritual references to Aztec culture |
| Theatre and comedy | Mundo Costrini | High-quality craftsmanship and humour |
| Music | Bandakadabra | Interactive marching band performances |
Gerace – a Medieval Jewel of Calabria with Rich Heritage
Gerace, picturesquely situated on a tuff hill at 470 metres above sea level, is one of the most beautiful towns in Calabria, which has attracted visitors with its unique beauty for centuries. It is not without reason that it is called an “enchanted town,” which fully deserves its reputation thanks to Il Borgo Incantato. According to legend, fugitives were led to the summit by a sparrowhawk – in Greek Jerax, from which the town's name derives.
The Historical Roots of Gerace
Gerace's roots reach back to the 7th century AD, when inhabitants of the coastal colony of Locri Epizephyrii sought refuge from Saracen raids. This period left a strong imprint on the architecture and culture of the town, which later passed under the rule of Byzantines, Normans, and eventually the Grimaldi dynasty. Each of these powers left unique traces, creating a structure that despite the earthquake of 1783 has preserved its medieval character.
Stunning Cultural Heritage
There is no shortage of impressive monuments recalling the golden age of Gerace. The most famous is the 11th-century Norman Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, the largest sacred building in Calabria. The cathedral interior is supported by 26 ancient columns recovered from the ruins of Locri Epizephyrii, proof of the remarkable civilisational continuity of the region. The remains of the Norman castle and the incredibly atmospheric stone lanes reflect the multi-layered history of this region.
Il Borgo Incantato Festival – Catalyst for Cultural Development in Gerace
The Il Borgo Incantato festival plays a key role in promoting the local culture of Gerace and all of Calabria, combining tradition with modernity in a remarkably tangible way. Thanks to the festival, the town has become a living cultural centre that effectively combats depopulation and regional isolation. Gerace is currently implementing the Smart Village project, using a hologram of Roger I the Norman and VR goggles to present monuments.
Strengthening Bonds with Tradition
Il Borgo Incantato plays an important role in preserving local traditions. During the festival, the town's streets become a stage for spectacles inspired by local legends, allowing for the cultivation of cultural heritage. A special element of identity is craftsmanship, such as hand weaving at the Aracne workshop and traditional pottery flourishing in the caves of Borgo Maggiore.
Educational Workshops and Programmes
The festival also plays an educational role. Workshops organised as part of the event, such as sculpture, painting, and traditional culinary arts, engage the local community. Gerace's cuisine, based on the Villaggio del Gusto concept, promotes zero-carbon-footprint products, including the famous oil from the Grossa di Gerace variety.
An Impulse for the Local Community
The festival also contributes to strengthening the local community by generating tourism revenue. Gerace has received PNRR funds of 20 million euros for further development and heritage protection. The economic revival translates into the development of local businesses, such as restaurants serving melanzane 'mbuttunate and boutique hotels in historic palaces like Palazzo Candida.
The Impact of Il Borgo Incantato on Tourism Development in Calabria
Tourism Transformations Thanks to the Festival
The Il Borgo Incantato festival in Gerace has become an important catalyst for tourism development in the Calabria region. The town, distinguished with the Bandiera arancione certificate, fits perfectly into the context of an artistic event that for several days transforms its streets into an open gallery. Integrated Trenitalia rail-bus connections have been prepared for tourists, facilitating access from the Ionian coast.
Growth in Tourist Numbers
Like other large-scale cultural events, the festival has triggered an increase in visitors to the region. According to regional data, the annual festival has attracted approximately 20,000–22,000 guests during its editions. Promotional activities contribute to changing the region's image as an attractive tourist destination.
Local Cuisine and Products
| Product / Dish | Tradition | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Pasta al sugo di capra | Byzantine | Handmade pasta with goat meat sauce |
| Greco di Gerace | Ancient Greece | Passito wine from dried grapes |
| Melanzane 'mbuttunate | Local | Stuffed aubergines from 9th-century recipes |
| Rafioli | Neapolitan | Iced biscuits served at weddings |
Practical Information
When: Every year in July (check exact dates on the festival website)
Location: Centro storico, Gerace (RC)
Tickets: Check on the official event website
Getting there: From Locri via SP1 road (approx. 10 km); integrated Trenitalia connections from the Ionian coast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Il Borgo Incantato in Gerace?
It is an International Street Artists Festival that every July transforms medieval Gerace into a huge stage for acrobats, musicians, and actors from around the world.
What is it like to walk through the old town of Gerace?
Walking through Gerace is a journey through narrow, stone lanes leading to the monumental Norman cathedral, the castle ruins on the Baglio rock, and numerous viewpoints over the Ionian Sea.
Why is Gerace called an enchanted town?
The name refers to the extraordinary atmosphere of the place, where time seems to stand still, and the legend of the sparrowhawk (Jerax) and the magical setting of the Il Borgo Incantato festival underscore its unique character.
What monuments are worth seeing in Gerace?
Key points include the 11th-century Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, the Norman Castle, the Diocesan Museum, and numerous churches with Byzantine roots, such as San Giovannello.
Can you try local cuisine in Gerace?
Yes, the town is famous for traditional dishes such as melanzane 'mbuttunate, homemade pasta with goat meat sauce, and the unique Greco di Gerace passito wine.