From the seaborne procession of the Carmine to the donkey Palio: the calendar that brings village and Marina alive all year.
Every year the municipal programme Guardavalle d'Estate fills July and August between the promenade and the old town: religious feasts, food festivals, beach tournaments, open-air cinema and live music nights.
18-19 July
Guardavalle Marina
The Marina's big feast: a concert, fireworks over the sea and the loveliest tradition of all, the statue of the Madonna carried in procession to the beach and then out onto the water, by boat.
6-7 August
Guardavalle Marina
The feast of the Marina's parish, in the church built after the 1951 flood.
16 August
Old town
Mid-August devotion in the village.
18 August
Piazza Immacolata, old town
For over thirty years, the feast of the signature product of Guardavalle cooking: stalls from 8 pm, aubergine dishes and live music.
Early September
Fassi area
The area's most curious tradition: a donkey race between the town's old districts, with historical parades, flag throwers, archers and falconers. Four days of festivity between sea and hills.
7 May
Village
The patron saint's day. His relic arrived from Squillace in 1584 thanks to bishop Marcello Sirleto. The statue parades adorned with garlands of flowers gathered by the faithful.
Easter
Village
The Calabrian Easter rite of the meeting between the statues of the Risen Christ, the Madonna and Saint John.
11 November
Village
New wine and cured meats for the feast that closes the farming year.
Dates and programmes can change from year to year: check the town hall's and local associations' channels before planning around them.
Casa Morello is our seafront B&B: apartments of 80 or 160 square metres, made for families and groups.
The B&B