Enjoying the resonance of the world in Calabria with its two immersive nature-based international festivals
In the heart of Calabria, Italy, a movement is brewing. A group of young, passionate individuals have adopted a quote from the 1959 film Ben-Hur as their call to action: "You asked how to fight an idea. I'll tell you: with another idea." This sentiment is at the core of two courageous and vital events that have been born in the region – the Be Alternative Festival and the Color Fest.
The Be Alternative Festival, now in its 16th edition, is taking place at the picturesque Lake Cecita, within the Sila National Park. This festival is a response to the perception of Calabria as a culturally inert region, aiming to transform this image through cultural events. The festival aims to make Calabria a vibrant, independent stage for cultural expression.
The Be Alternative Festival is not just about music. It's an attempt to challenge the traditional perception of Calabria and promote cultural rejuvenation. This year, the festival is enriched with Central European house and dance influences, courtesy of Christian Löffler. Local favourites Max Gazzè and La Niña are performing folkloric reinterpretations, while Jeff Mills, the Detroit techno legend, is presenting his "Tomorrow Comes the Harvest" project.
The Color Fest, in its 12th edition, is taking place from August 12 to 14, 2025, at Lungomare Falcone Borsellino in Lamezia Terme (CZ). This festival is a catalyst for independent music, featuring international acts such as Dov'è Liana, Murder Capital, and Shame. Shame is releasing the album "Cutthroat" in September, while Dov'è Liana is on tour for the album "Blindness", released in February.
The exact lineup and schedule for both the Be Alternative Festival 2025 and the Color Fest 2025 are yet to be announced. However, other major 2025 music festivals have already announced their lineups, such as the Good Things Festival 2025 in Australia, Wildlands Festival 2026, Beyond The Valley 2025/26, and Louder Than Life 2025.
For updates on the Be Alternative Festival 2025 and the Color Fest 2025 lineups, artists, and schedules, it is recommended to check their official websites or social media closer to the event dates. These events promise to be a vibrant celebration of music and culture in the scenic landscapes of Calabria, including forests and sunsets.
References:
- Good Things Festival 2025 Lineup
- Louder Than Life 2025 Lineup
Participants of the Be Alternative Festival and the Color Fest can expect a blend of lifestyles, with home-and-garden and entertainment offerings alongside music performances. These events aim to transform the stereotypes associated with Calabria's cultural scene, offering a platform for local folklore, house and dance music, indie rock, and techno. The upcoming editions of these festivals will feature artists like Jeff Mills, Dov'è Liana, Murder Capital, and Shame, whose albums like "Tomorrow Comes the Harvest" and "Cutthroat" are highly anticipated.
