X Monte Cristo Calendar of Special Events

Each year the Republic of Monte Cristo is proud to sponsor  a calendar of events that would make New York City, New Orleans or Rio de Janiero jealous. These include parades, festiivals, fairs, fetes and street parties! Due to the delicate nature of Monte Cristo's environment, as well as our permanently exiled Provisional Government, we have chosen to sponsor and hold a vast majority of these special events in the locales and towns of our most hospitable and friendly neighbor, Elba. We think we offer something for everybody!

May

1st International Patchwork Fair: May 19 to 22. The First International Fair of Patchwork, in Italy, is scheduled to take place on our neighbor Elba, who graciously accepted our request at hosting, and is promoted by the National Quilt Italia Society. The event will span across the island from Portoferraio, to Marina di Campo, to Marciana Marina, to Mariana to Rio dell' Elba. Commercial expository stands will be erected along the Marina di Campo promenade, and artistic/cultural events will be held in the various old town centers. The expositions and commercial spaces can be visited from 9 am to 7pm, and tickets are 12 Euros for adults, and cheap or free for children depending on age. For more information: Consorzio Elba Promotion - Dott .ssa Silvia Saluz, Tel 0039 0565 960157 FAX 0039 0565 917632 or email info@elbapatchwork.it or visit www.elbapatchwork.it

Festa del Cavatore Miners Festival: May 18. To be held at Capoliveri. A band and parade of traditional mining village gonfalons. For more information try Ass. Culture G. Verdi tel. 0565/968065.

June

Elba, Tuscan and Monte Cristo Wine Festival: June 6 and 7. Held in Capoliveri. Wine tastings and local foods at stalls organized by local farm estates, accompanied by exhibitions, musicians and seminar lectures. For more information, contact Confesercenti, tel. 0565/916231.

July

La Leggenda dell' Innamorata: July 14. Held at Capoliveri. A vast pageant celebrating one of our most fascinating legends is celebrated with parade of a hundred figurants in costume, and a torchlight procession through the town streets to the sea. A truely magnificent and moving event, starting at 9:30 pm. For information contact Ass. Granducato, tel. 0565/939104, or FAX 0565/939094.

Festival of the Patron Saint: July 19. Held at Chiessi (Marciana). Celebration of the Patron Saint, which includes evening processions, fireworks, food, light show and concert by the Filarmonica Pietri of Portoferraio. For more information, Comune di Marciana, tel. 0565/901215, or FAX 0565/901076.

Festival di San Giacomo Apostle e San Quirico: July 25, in Rio nell'Elba. A celebration of the patron saints with religious events,food and traditional folklore in the town streets. Information at Comune di Rio nell'Elba, tel. 0565/943070.

Festival of the Patron Saint, St James (San Giacomo): July 26 at Porto Azzuro. A celebration of St James with concerts and special events. Other events and dates may be added. Contact Comune di Porto Azzuro at 0565/937111.

August

Festival of San Gaetano: August 7 at Camp nell'Elba. A day/night long series of events including sports competitions, parades, games, concerts and a massive fireworks display. For information try the Comune di Campo nell'Elba, tel 0565/976976, FAX 0565/976921.

Festival of San Chiara: August 12 at Marciana Marina. Day and night celebration including food and wine tasting, seaside procession, concerts and fireworks. Contact Comune di Marciana Marina, tel 0565/99002, FAX 0565/904321.

Festival of San Rocco: August 16 in Rio Marina. A day and night of games, concerts, food, wine and exciting fireworks display. We invited Sly Stallone, but can't promise. Try the Comune di Rio Marina at 0565/962009, FAX 0565/924151.

Procchio Patronal Festival: August 16 in Procchio (Marciana). Nighlong festival with concerts and fireworks. Contact Comune Marciana 0565/901215, the Ass. Prospettiva at 349/6771255.

Palio di Sant Agabito: Held August 18 and 19 in Marciana. Daily long celebration of Donna Paola Colonna, including mass, flag show, medieval games and local food fare stalls. Contact Comune di Marciana 0565/901215.

Fall/Winter

Madonna del Monserrato: September 8 in Porto Azzuro. A day of seaside festivals, concerts and sports competitions. Other events soon to be added. Contact Comune di Porto Azzuro 0565/921611, or FAX 0565/958331

Wine Festival: Held on the last Sunday of September in Capoliveri. The entire town, divided into quarters, known as "Roni" take part in recreating medieval settings, music, customs and traditions. The winning Roni, which signifies the greatest recreation and simulation, will receive an award. We suggested a million dollars per resident but it may be less. For information contact Ass. Culture G Verdi at tel. 0565/968065.

Chestnut Festival: On an October date yet to be decided in Poggio (Marciana). A special event to include local food stalls. Please contact for date, Comune di Marciana 0565/901215, FAX 0565/901076.

Miss Monte Cristo Pageant: Held December 25, Christmas, every other year at different location. The 2005/06 Pageant was held by the Council in-exile at Tommys Burgers in Los Angeles, and crowned Italian actress Monica Bellucci as Miss Monte Cristo 2005/06. The 2007/08 Pageant will be held December 25, 2006 at a site soon to be announced.