Colors of Imola - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

Imola is widely recognized as the motherland of the internationally famous brand Ducati. That is the reason why this city regularly hosts interesting rally and racing events. In Imola, there is one of the largest race tracks in the region. Of course, this is Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari. Local people are very proud of this fact and will never forget to mention it when talking to foreigners. By the way, local people like talking. Even though they are not as talkative as residents of Sicily or Bari, they are cheerful and have a ready answer to any question. It is simple politeness for them to greet the staff when entering any shop, restaurant, or another establishment.

Local people are quite reserved, but it would be a mistake to say that they are not emotional and cold. Tourists can always ask them for help - locals will surely not leave tourists in trouble. Perhaps, Italians are most passionate in their approach to food. Sometimes, it is not clear whether they are going for a business meeting to discuss a contract or to enjoy good food. Without a doubt, family and close people are incredibly important for locals. They pamper their kids and deeply respect their parents.

The region’s cuisine is very diverse. Even names of some dishes can melt hearts of people who do not consider Italian to be one of the most romantic languages in the world (perhaps, there are not many people like that). By the way, almost everyone speaks English, but locals will be pleased if a tourist knows several phrases in Italian. When visiting Imola, consider trying the following popular dishes: Tagliatelle, Tortellini, Passatelli, and Certosino. Out of all alcoholic beverages, local people prefer wine. Tourists should also try locally produced wine. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

In Imola, there are many interesting events that attract both locals and tourists. Heineken Jammin' Festival is one of these wonderful events. This festival, which is dedicated to rock music, takes place in Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari that was mentioned above (locals casually call it Imola Autodrome). In order to entertain visitors, bands from other regions of Italy and foreign countries come to perform at the festival in the middle of June. During the three-day event, as many as 100 000 people visit the Heineken Jammin' Festival. This is another proof of the popularity of this event. Sometimes, the festival takes place in Parco San Giuliano.

Another interesting event in the festival schedule of Imola is connected to cars. This is Motor Legend Festival. Speed and driving skills are the most important characteristics for participants in this event because all of them will show incredible performances to lucky attendees of this fantastic festival. Motor Legend Festival takes place at the end of April in the same venue, Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari. Winners in different contests are awarded, and visitors always cheer their favorite sportsmen. Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari lasts three days and is definitely a notable event in the cultural life of Imola.

The beginning of May is the time for one more fabulous event at Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari. This time, the venue hosts a festival called Historic Minardi Days. It is a true celebration for all fans of cars because this festival is nothing but an exhibition of vehicles of different categories and classes, from GT to Formula 1. Moreover, there are demonstrative races for viewers. Cinema fans are always welcome at another event called Corto Imola Festival. This festival, which takes place in the middle of December, is dedicated to short films. Visitors will be able to see animation films, documental films, and experimental short films.

Local people are also fond of dancing. Tango Total Festival is one more proof of this fact. The spectacular event usually starts at the end of December. This is the final round of a large contest dedicated to the passionate dance. Besides dancing performances, all visitors can participate in interesting master classes, listen to live music, and watch colorful shows. The festival takes place at Hotel Donatello 4* Superior. The last but not the least, Imola in Musica is one more interesting event in the city. It usually takes place within the border of Old City (in numerous bars, museums, churches, and on squares) at the beginning of June. Fans of different music genres will find it interesting to visit Imola in Musica because the event covers rock, jazz, pop, and classical music.