Colors of Bergamo - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

Bergamo is a city in the north of Italy attracting tourists with its rich history, architecture, and nature. Local residents are prominent representatives of northern Italians, for whom the main value is the family and its well-being. The residents of Bergamo are warm-hearted, friendly, and polite, always ready to help anyone. The townspeople are very proud of their origin, and for good reason - everyone would be proud to be born in such a country. Certainly, the best in the world, as any Italian would say. And would colorfully describe how good local residents are, necessarily passing the border between northern and southern Italians.

Local people are distinguished by a love for comfort. And it's not just a need - the Italians cannot imagine their life without it. This can be seen in everything - even a soft breeze can cause a small emotional outburst. Most of them prefer to live in their own houses because it is more comfortable than living in an apartment. Italian men treat women (of any age, weight, religion, skin tone) not just respectfully, but almost reverently. Mothers, girlfriends, ladies on the street - it does not matter, men always give them lots of compliments. Of course, the most important women for an Italian man are a mother and a wife, and this is beyond doubt.

Bergamo's culinary preferences primarily affect its regional cuisine. Thus, the region is famous for the presence of a huge number of cheeses, including the most famous varieties such as Gorgonzola, Stracchino, Taleggio. Paella, pasta, ravioli, and polenta - all these specialties are definitely worth trying while in Bergamo. As well as Grappa (a pomace brandy) and Franciacorta (a special variety of wine). In general, local people care about a healthy diet and lifestyle, so people with the same eating habits feel very comfortable here. Evidence of this is the fact that cycling is very popular here. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

In the middle of March, Bergamo turns into the world capital of jazz. During this time, Bergamo Jazz is held in different locations of the "Stone Town" (as it is called for numerous paved streets). Every year the festival organizers prepare a special program so that the audience could not get bored. And, of course, only eminent and talented musicians entertain spectators. The main venue is Teatro Gaetano Donizetti, while the rest are bars, clubs, libraries. International Jazz Day is also celebrated in the city, and it falls on April 30. This day is marked by noisy street concerts.

At the end of June, one of the largest musical events in the whole region is held. We're talking about I-days festival taking place in Monza Park near Bergamo. The celebration lasts four days, and this is time of carelessness, fun and joy. The festival's headliners are always world-famous musical bands and performers. The genres you can hear range from punk rock to pop music. Another famous festival is dedicated to piano music, and it begins in late April, ending in mid-June. Teatro Gaetano Donizetti serves as the venue. During the festival, visitors listen to classical works performed by talented pianists.

A festival dedicated to dances lasts a whole month. We're talking about Festival Danza Estate taking place in Teatro Sociale. The entertainment program includes about 10 colorful shows with the participation of dance stars (genres are represented by modern and theatrical dances), the opening of exhibitions, meet-and-greets. The festival leaves nothing but pleasant impressions. A special program is prepared for the smallest of the family. In mid-July, you can witness Art 2 Night - a festival focused on art. At this time, there are exhibitions of artworks in the field of painting, sculpture, architecture, design, photography. The venues are cultural institutions like museums, libraries, galleries.

The region is also known for its sports heritage. Thus, in early May, Grand Fondo Internazionale Felice Gimondi is held here - this is a competition dedicated to cycling, in which both Italian and foreign participants take part. At the end of the same month, Bergamo Historic Gran Prix takes place. The event includes vintage auto racing (the main condition - produced before 1975), after which the cars are shown to the audience on Piazza Cittadella. This is a very interesting event that every car enthusiast and connoisseur of colorful spectacles (which means every second Italian) is eager to attend.

Notte Bianca dello Sport is held at the same time. It is nothing but a large-scale sporting event in the open air (central city streets serve as the venue), which includes a variety of sports. The main purpose of the event is to promote sports among youth. In mid-July, Bergamo turns into the capital of diving. Yes, there is no access to the sea, but the locals do not despair and hold a festival in Italcementi Piscina. The competition is attended by more than two hundred professional divers from all over the world. The event is covered by world media since the spectacle is truly fascinating.

In early September, a truly colorful event starts - it's Notti di Luce, a festival during which the so-called Stone City shimmers with bright colors. Jazz performances, exhibitions of fine arts and photographs are organized within the framework of the festival, and a separate entertainment program is prepared for children of all ages. There is no need to pay for the entrance to the festival taking place on city streets. In late September, Bergamo Scienza is held - a festival where you can see interactive shows, interesting exhibitions, and conferences.