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 Introduction
In ancient times the “Cape” was a sacred place for priests and soothsayers to look into the future. Many ancient civilizations have crossed these shores and left traces of their artistic, cultural and scientific cultures. The beauty of the area has also charmed influential people such as Giuseppe Berto, the author of “Il male oscuro”.
Arrival Plane
Airport Lamezia Terme is 58 km away from Ricadi. From here, travelers can take a taxi, rent a car, or take the railway to reach the town.
Train
The line from Milan-Rome to Lamezia Terme offers changes to local trains to Tropea which stop in Ricadi.
Car
Take the A3 Highway to Pizzo Calabro, from here drive 37 km along the coast in the direction of Tropea then continue on to Ricadi.
History and Culture
The name “Ricade” or “Rigade” appeared for the first time in the 16th and 17th centuries, and suggests a derivation from the surname “Riga” or “Rigà”, which was a popular surname in Calabria. For a time, Ricadi was an ancillary to the town of Tropea. In 1799, the town became independent when Championnet, a French general, conquered the Kingdom of Naples.
The town thrived as a center of agriculture and fishing. In time, tourism became an important feature of the economy. By the mid 80s, tourism was one of the main sources of money for the town. Over the past decades, incomes and living standards have increased dramatically and the per capita income of the little town is one of the highest in Calabria.
Churches and Museums
“Museo d'Arte Contadina” opened to the public in May 1992. The collection, made up by near to 500 finds, shows variety rudimentary farming machinery, tools to process local crops such as flax and broom fiber, and terracotta ware. Housed by the “Giuseppe Berto” Conference Centre, the collection is on permanent display.
Saint Maria di Loreto
This church is the site of religious celebrations on Easter Monday and on the 15th of August. Other festivals such as the “Procession by Sea” take place here.
Places of Interest
Known as the “little caves”, these three bays are the most famous and most evocative bathing places of the municipality of Ricadi. Smaller, more remote beaches can be reached from Grotticelle.
Festivals and Events
In honor of the literary talent, Giuseppe Berto, a prize is awarded every June. There is a historical prize to be awarded to an emerging writer, and a new category focusing on foreign fiction. The latter prize is awarded to a living author whose work has been published in Italian.
Red Onion Festival - August
Known as “La Sagra della Cipolla Rossa” this festival is held every year on the 13th of August. The festival starts in the mid-afternoon when a variety of games are played in Piazza Marconi, the main square of the village. This traditional festival has a variety of games. In one, contestants are blindfolded and helped by bystanders to break one or more pinatas or terra-cotta pots. The “Bumbuleju” Race has women race from one end of the square to the other, carrying the terra-cotta pot on their heads without using their hands. Other games include the Egg Race, the Sack Race, the Mini-marathon, the Onion Race, the Cheese-rolling tournament. Eating is also part of the festivities and typical onion-dish sampling starts at dinner time. At exactly midnight the “Camejuzzu i Focu” dance is performed. The traditional fireworks display closes the festival.
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Ricadi Travel Guide
Single room - From 80€
Single room - From 35€
Double room - From 70€
Single room - From 65€