What to do in Cosenza? This city lets itself be loved and discovered. It is a huge cultural container: at the A. Rendano holds concerts and the most exciting plays. There is also room for gastronomy and tradition with the Chocolate Festival, Christmas markets and St. Joseph’s Fair. Experience the city on your skin, check out the events calendar updated in real time.
Theater: 2023 theater season at the Rendano
On the stage of Theater A. Rendano, from Sunday, January 22, 2023, 9 appointments under the banner of great drama without forgetting the fun and pure entertainment. Prose, from the great classics to contemporary authors and then, comedies and musicals, these are the ingredients of the playbill devised by “L’AltroTeatro.” Alessandro Siani, Massimo Ranieri, Paolo Ruffini, Massimo Ghini and Biagio Izzo, among others, will take the stage at the Rendano.
Find out the full program
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Cathedral: Our Lady of Pilerio, Patroness of Cosenza
Our Lady of Pilerio is the Patroness of the City and Archdiocese of Cosenza-Bisignano, depicted in an Icon dated to the 12th century, kept in the Cathedral Church (Duomo). The Marian title by which she is invoked recalls the terms “pillar,” “pillar,” but also “guardian,” “keeper.” The Icon depicts the Virgin with her head covered by a veil and nursing the Child. The rich theological symbolism of the elements depicted (the mantle descending from the Virgin’s head, the three stars, the golden medallions) as well as the variety of colors used, describe, with great expressive richness, the Mystery of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God and of the Church. The cult of paying homage to Our Lady of Pilerio dates back to 1576 when a plague epidemic hit several Italian regions. The patroness of the city of the Bruzi is celebrated every year on February 12.
On the altar of the Pilerio Chapel, placed under the original Icon, is a Latin epigraph that translated means, “This image we venerate saved us from the plague, the stain that appeared on the face shows its miracle.”
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St. Joseph's Fair
The St. Joseph’s Fair for the people of Cosenza represents a tradition that has lasted for seven centuries. Its origins date back to 1234, when the
“stupor mundi”
Frederick II of Sweden, wanted to intensify the trade of the city of Bruzia, recognizing its strategic position for trade. In the early days it was a festival held in the fall, between September and October, dedicated to Magdalene.
“stupor mundi”
Frederick II of Sweden, wanted to intensify the trade of the city of Bruzia, recognizing its strategic position for trade. In the early days it was a festival held in the fall, between September and October, dedicated to Magdalene.
But back in 1544, when a terrible flood involved the entire Cosenza area, the Magdalene festival had to be suspended. Restored 20 years later, the date of the event was moved from September to March and exactly to March 19, St. Joseph’s Day. Since it was close to the spring equinox, it would certainly have symbolized a time of rinascite.
Chocolate festival
Like every October, the city of Cosenza hosts the Chocolate Festival, entirely dedicated to the so-called “Food of the Gods” and now in its 19th edition (2022). The Chocolate Festival involves all of Calabria, but aims to expand beyond regional borders, hosting important Italian entities that promote the talent and creativity of our country’s artisans.
Oktoberfest Calabria
Now in its third year (the event straddles the months of September and October), the event is the ultimate immersive experience in Bavarian tradition. Whether one is a beer lover or not, Oktoberfest, with its setting, festive character, unchanged charm, folklore, music, typical cuisine and joyful atmosphere, represents one of those moments to experience at least once in a lifetime. The program consists of many events that are part of the Bavarian tradition, with highlights and not-to-be-missed celebrations, such as the O’zapft is, opening parades, band concert, and family days.
