What's On in Corsica

Corsica is a land where culture pulses with passion and authenticity, brought to life through a rich calendar of events that enchant both locals and visitors alike. Throughout the year, the island buzzes with festivals, fairs, carnivals, and performances that blend ancient traditions, world music, and contemporary creativity. Discover the highlights you won’t want to miss during your stay on the Isle of Beauty.

Every year, in late June or early July, Ajaccio transforms into a vibrant stage for its famous carnival. For two lively days, the city dons its festive attire and offers a packed program of entertainment. The streets burst into life with decorated floats, flamboyantly costumed groups, and lively brass bands. Outdoor concerts, traditional dances, and colorful parades fill the imperial city with joyful energy and conviviality. The Ajaccio Carnival is a wonderful invitation to dive into Corsican popular culture, rich in heritage and brimming with good cheer.

At nightfall, for three summer evenings, Bonifacio unveils a breathtaking spectacle known as Festi Lumi. The town’s historic monuments, medieval alleyways, and towering cliffs become a canvas for an awe-inspiring light show. Artistic lighting effects and innovative staging bathe the city in shimmering colors, enchanting visitors with a fairy-tale ambiance. Street musicians and performers add to the magic, creating an immersive, sensory experience that’s truly unforgettable.

Every August, the Baracci Fair takes over the lush setting of the Bains de Baracci park in Olmeto. This popular festival celebrates local craftsmanship in a warm and authentic atmosphere. Visitors can explore a wide array of traditional Corsican products: coral jewelry, hand-carved wooden objects, ceramics, Provençal textiles, as well as the island’s famous charcuterie and cheeses. The event offers a perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in insular culture and meet passionate artisans who keep ancestral crafts alive.

For music lovers, the Jazz in Aiacciu festival is a must-see event. Held every summer from late June to mid-July, this four-night festival features an eclectic mix of jazz, bossa nova, and world music. Renowned international artists perform in iconic city venues, often outdoors, offering an intimate and warm musical experience. The festival’s relaxed atmosphere invites discovery and celebration, perfectly complemented by the exceptional setting of Ajaccio and its gentle Mediterranean lifestyle.

In the famed wine region of Patrimonio, the Nuits de la Guitare festival takes place every late July, celebrating the guitar in all its forms. Rock, gypsy jazz, blues, and folk rhythms fill the open-air stages, attracting top-tier musicians and passionate audiences. Set amidst idyllic natural surroundings, the festival offers a perfect blend of quality music and enchanting ambiance. It’s an unforgettable experience for guitar aficionados and lovers of outdoor concerts alike.

Horse lovers will delight in Cavall’ in Festa, held annually on the second weekend of June in Corte. This event celebrates the deep bond between Corsicans and their horses through majestic parades, precise dressage demonstrations, and thrilling races. Evenings come alive with medieval-themed festivities, folk dances, and traditional Corsican songs, providing a full immersion into the island’s vibrant living heritage.