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WHERE: Lavagna, Italy
WHEN: 13 and 14 August 2023
Taking up an ancient tradition every year, the 14 August, the Ligurian town of Lavagna dresses up for a party, offering one of the most incredible folk events.
From 1949, you can attend a fantastic historical parade with incredible characters. Between challenges and duels, flag games, dances and medieval music, it will be a bit like going back in time. And, last but not least, in the square from which the Tower dominates, a mega wedding cake awaits you: the Fieschi cake; over 13 quintals of cake, expertly prepared by the best pastry chefs of Lavagna, according to an ancient, secret recipe.
Torta dei Fieschi, and the festivities linked to it, recall the sumptuous wedding of the thirteenth century between the Count of Lavagna, the feudal Fiesco family, and the noblewoman Bianca dei Bianchi. On that occasion, the newlyweds decided to offer a giant cake to the entire local population.
After centuries, we continue to celebrate. Today, the highlight of the evening, is the game of Torta dei Fieschi. Each person must obtain, at the ticket office, a particular ticket, light blue for the males and pink for the females. A fancy name is printed on each ticket. After reading the wedding proclamation, all the people with a coupon will be able to go to the square, and look for the twin ticket of a different color in the crowd. Only after having found the soul mate, you can go, in two, to the bench to eat the cake.
Photo ©, Alessio Sbarbaro
PRACTICAL INFO
HOW TO GET
Lavagna is located only 50 kilometers from Genoa and, across the border, about 230 from the French Nice.
The best way to get there is by plane, calling at Genoa or, alternatively, at the Tuscan airports of Pisa and Florence.
From the Genoa airport, every day a regional train connects the Lavagna station with that of Genova Cornigliano; the latter, located about 15 minutes walk from the airport terminal.
By car, from Milan, you have to travel a little less than 200 kilometers to get to your destination.
CORRELATED EVENTS
Torta dei Fieschi is the culmination of 4 days of shows and events that animate the beautiful village of Lavagna.
Do not miss MEDIOEVO IN THE VILLAGE on 11 August. Many gastronomic delicacies, jugglers, shows and lots of costumed characters await you. Blackboard will bring you back in time
TORTA DEI FIESCHI 2023 PROGRAM
It starts on the evening of August 13, in the courtyard of the fourteenth-century basilica of San Salvatore dei Fieschi, in Cogorno, the celebrations l’Addiu du Fantin” with dances, ancient music, and games.
The following day, at 21:00 from Piazza Marconi, the procession starts and will parade through the streets of the city until it reaches Piazza Vittorio Veneto. The arrival is expected around 10pm.
In the Square, there will be the cutting of the cake and the start of the game. Only those who have a ticket can take part.
During the evening shows on stage and, at the distribution counter, delivery of the cake to the couples who have formed in the square.
After midnight, the Notte Bianca begins, with the open-air disco.
Photo ©, Alessio Sbarbaro
WHERE TO SLEEP
The Torta dei Fieschi is a great way to spend an alternative evening during your holiday.
Conversely, the event could be a good excuse to visit the wonderful Ligurian coast with all its wonders.
Of course, keep in mind that this is the central week of August!
Casa Riviera It is an excellent solution for those who are looking for an apartment. It has a capacity of up to 7 people, and an excellent value for money. Casa Riviera is located in the center of Lavagna, 400 meters from the beach and 600 meters from the train station. It offers free WiFi and air conditioning. You can book at a special price from here.
If you love calm and tranquility, in Castagnola, 7 kilometers from Lavagna, there is the excellent Farmhouse B & B Castagnola 64, solution surrounded by greenery. Farmhouse B & B Castagnola 64 features a seasonal outdoor pool and views of the mountains. Free parking is available on site. Also, it is only 16 kilometers from the beautiful Portofino; the ideal opportunity for a visit to combine with the suggestive Torta dei Fieschi. Book, from here, your structure.
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