Introduction
The Cedar Riviera is the Tyrrhenian coast of Cosenza where citron grows lush and Diamante is the chili pepper capital.
The area boasts 4 protected-designation products and 4 dishes of the local tradition.
Upcoming Events & Festivals
Here are the upcoming events in Riviera dei Cedri:
Recurring Events
These events take place every year in Riviera dei Cedri:
Peperoncino Festival
SettembreDiamante · Tradizione dal 1992
Festival internazionale del peperoncino con degustazioni, gare e spettacoli.
Sagra del Cedro
AgostoSanta Maria del Cedro
Celebrazione del cedro con degustazioni di dolci, liquori e piatti a base di cedro.
Festa del Pesce
AgostoScalea
Grande frittura di pesce azzurro nel borgo antico con musica e tradizione.
Blues in Town
LuglioDiamante
Festival blues nel suggestivo lungomare di Diamante.
PDO, PGI and local products
The protected-designation products of Riviera dei Cedri represent the excellence of the area:
A biblical citrus cultivated for millennia on the Tyrrhenian coast of Cosenza. Used in cooking and in the Jewish Sukkot ritual.
A hot chili pepper variety that symbolizes Calabria. Diamante is the 'City of Chili Pepper'.
Newborn sardine or anchovy preserved with chili pepper. The 'caviar of the South', a traditional coastal product.
The world's finest licorice, with roots growing in the clay soil of the Tyrrhenian coast.
What to eat in Riviera dei Cedri
Wide handmade pasta with chickpeas, garlic, and chili pepper. A peasant dish from the Cosenza tradition.
A cream of whitebait (newborn sardine) with chili pepper. Spread on bread or used as pasta sauce.
Candied Calabrese citron peel, used in pastry-making and enjoyed as a traditional sweet.
Zucchini flowers stuffed with ricotta and 'nduja, fried in crispy batter.
Traditions & Culture
International chili pepper festival in Diamante. Five days of tastings, endurance contests, and performances.
Over 300 murals decorate the old town, transformed into an open-air art gallery since 1981.
An ancient tradition tied to the Jewish community that selects the finest citrons each year for Sukkot.
Nature Parks & Protected Areas
The Tyrrhenian side of the Pollino descends toward the Cedar Riviera with spectacular gorges and canyons.
A rocky island off Praia a Mare with sea caves and crystal-clear waters.
Historical Figures
Creator in 1981 of the Murals Operation that transformed Diamante into a painted village.
Local Communities
The festivals and events in Riviera dei Cedri are organized by Pro Loco associations and local groups that safeguard the area's traditions:
Curiosities
“Diamante is home to over 300 murals in its historic center, created by artists from around the world since 1981.”
“The Calabrese citron is the only one in the world considered kosher by the Jewish community for the Sukkot ritual.”
“Isola di Dino, off Praia a Mare, is the largest Calabrese island and hosts the rare Primula palinuri.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1What typical products are found on the Cedar Riviera?expand_more
The Cedar Riviera is home to 4 typical products: Cedro di Calabria (PAT), Peperoncino di Diamante (PAT), Rosamarina (PAT), and Liquirizia di Calabria (DOP).
2What should I eat on the Cedar Riviera?expand_more
Traditional dishes of the Cedar Riviera include: Lagane e ceci, Sardella, Cedro candito, and Frittelle di fiori di zucca con 'nduja.
3What are the most famous festivals on the Cedar Riviera?expand_more
Major festivals include: Peperoncino Festival (Diamante, September); Sagra del Cedro (Santa Maria del Cedro, August); Festa del Pesce (Scalea, August).
4What natural parks are there on the Cedar Riviera?expand_more
Protected natural areas include: the Tyrrhenian slope of Pollino National Park and Isola di Dino with its marine area.
5Who organizes the food festivals on the Cedar Riviera?expand_more
Festivals are organized by local communities such as the Accademia del Peperoncino and Pro Loco Scalea.