Natural Wonders of Calabria Echoed Through Two International Festivals
In the heart of Calabria, Italy, the Be Alternative Festival and Color Fest are making a significant impact, promoting independent music and cultural transformation. Established in 2009, the Be Alternative Festival has been itinerant, taking place in iconic locations such as historic town centers and scenic natural settings like lagoons and nature reserves.
This year, the 16th edition of the Be Alternative Festival is happening amidst forests and sunsets, with Christian Loeffler enriching the event with Mittel-European house and dance influences. The festival aims to challenge the perception of Calabria as a culturally inert and marginal region, and it seeks to transform the imagination and make the territory a live and independent scene.
The Color Fest, a music and cultural segment of the Be Alternative Festival, is also taking place this year. It emphasises electronic music and DJ culture alongside live instrumental performances, with an eclectic lineup that includes international acts such as Belfast's Chalk, Dov'è Liana, Irish Murder Capital, and South London's Shame. The Color Fest is in its 12th edition and will take place from August 12 to 14, 2025, at the Riviera dei Tramonti in Lamezia Terme (CZ).
The Be Alternative Festival and Color Fest are not just music events; they are agents for cultural transformation. They promote independent and alternative music scenes through diverse, non-commercial acts. The programming underlines the festival’s commitment to independent and contemporary music, often celebrating important musical milestones, such as Almamegretta's 30th anniversary of Sanacore.
These festivals also enhance regional cultural visibility by situating events in Calabria’s unique landscapes. They foster cultural tourism and local engagement by involving communities and university spaces. Acting as a hub for musical innovation and cultural dialogue, they go beyond traditional festival models.
In a nod to the 1959 film Ben-Hur, a group of young people in Calabria have adopted the quote, "You asked how to fight an idea. I'll tell you: with another idea," as a manifesto for action. This sentiment is embodied in the festivals' mission to transform the image of Calabria and to create a vibrant, open-air live music platform that showcases both national and international contemporary music scenes while highlighting Calabria’s natural and historic beauty.
The 2025 edition of the Be Alternative Festival is taking place at Lake Cecita, in the National Park of the Sila. The lineup for the Color Fest includes Lucio Corsi, Mace, Joan Thiele, Giorgio Poi, Marco Castello, and Okgiorgio. Jeff Mills, the Detroit techno legend, is presenting his "Tomorrow Comes the Harvest" project at the Be Alternative Festival. Almamegretta is closing the "Be Color" day of August 2 at the Be Alternative Festival.
As the Be Alternative Festival and Color Fest continue to grow and evolve, they are becoming increasingly influential in Calabria’s artistic landscape. They serve as agents for cultural transformation, energising independent music promotion and connecting artists, audiences, and local culture in dynamic, experiential ways.
[1] Be Alternative Festival Official Website: https://bealternativefestival.it/ [2] Color Fest Official Website: https://colorfest.it/ [3] Calabria Tourism Board: https://www.calabriatourism.it/
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