In Corsican, it is called Porcu nustrale.
Porcu nustrale is raised exclusively in Corsica. In Corsican, its name means “ours”. It is present both in Corsica-du-Sud and in Haute-Corse.
Traditions
Surfez parmi les différentes catégories de notre blog : le Guide Voyage en Corse !
Vous souhaitez en savoir plus sur Traditions ?
Corsican traditions
Corsica, or the famous island of beauty of France, is a true jewel of the Mediterranean. It is full of French history, traditions and culture. Located in the heart of the Tyrrhenian Sea, this region captivates with its fauna and centuries-old traditions. You should know that these are deeply rooted in Corsican society and extend to many families on the island.
A reality which perfectly illustrates the soul of this island land. Corsica immediately brings to mind ancestral festivals, tastings of local dishes, polyphonic songs and folk dances. Every aspect of life in Corsica is imbued with a rich cultural heritage.
Far from being perceived as simple vestiges of the past, Corsican traditions are the very essence of the identity of this atypical island. For those who want to learn more about this beautiful region, here is everything there is to know about the main traditions of Corsica.
Traditional festivals
In Corsica, traditional festivals occupy a central place in the lives of the inhabitants. Among the main festivals of the region is the celebration of Saint Joseph, the patron saint of the island.
We also think of the Holy Week procession marked by rituals imbued with fervor and tradition. When it comes to pagan festivals, the Carnival of Venzolasca and the Feast of San Ghjuvà are unmissable events.
All this demonstrates to what extent ancestral traditions are deeply rooted in Corsican culture. In addition, you should know that on this island, each traditional festival is associated with specific rituals. These are passed down from generation to generation.
For example, know that during the celebration of Midsummer, locals light bonfires to celebrate the summer solstice. Which is quite different from the feast of the Immaculate Conception which is rather characterized by solemn processions and traditional songs.
For the natives of the island, know that all these rituals have a particular meaning which prove the link between the Corsicans and their centuries-old traditions. Furthermore, it should also be noted that traditional festivals have a major influence on social and cultural life in Corsica.
They are opportunities to come together and let ourselves be guided by intergenerational exchanges. These festivities aim to strengthen community ties. In this way, they help to preserve the island’s insular identity by perpetuating customs and bequeathing a rich and diverse cultural heritage.
Corsican gastronomy
For those who don’t know, Corsican cuisine is renowned for its diversity as well as its authenticity. When looking at its most emblematic dishes, how can we not mention:
artisanal charcuterie (lonzu and figatellu);
sheep’s cheese (brocciu);
fish and seafood dishes.
The latter undoubtedly prove the influence of the Mediterranean Sea on Corsican cuisine. For their part, traditional Corsican recipes originate from ancestral know-how. This is also passed down through generations.
Corsican recipes are part of a historical heritage marked by the Mediterranean and Italy. They are entirely part of the island region. Which means that each traditional dish tells a story. In addition, note that family meals have a lot of importance in Corsican culture.
The natives of the island will tell you, these meals are opportunities to laugh around tasty dishes and to perpetuate their centuries-old culinary traditions. During these meals in Corsica, conviviality and the spirit of sharing have a central place during family meals.
Songs and traditional music of traditions in Corsica
On this superb island, traditional music consists of many classics such as polyphonies. They are true gems of island heritage. Concretely, these are songs, performed a capella by 3 distinct voices (bass, tenor and head voice).
The various existing polyphonies address various themes such as love, nature and the history of the island. Sacred songs are part of the traditional heritage of this French island. As such, they have an essential place in the Corsican musical repertoire.
Traditional music is undoubtedly one of the greatest treasures of the region which helps to preserve local traditions. The influence of music on Corsican culture is very significant. And although polyphonies and sacred chants are considered essential pillars of the island musical scene, we note an evolution of genres.
There are indeed new forms of artistic expression in Corsican society. We remember that traditional music continues to nourish the creativity of Corsican artists. In addition to this, it manages to adapt to the realities of modern society.
Traditional dances of Corsica
Corsican folk dances like the tarantella and the saltarello come from a rich and eventful history. Each of these dances has its own rhythmic and gestural characteristics which manage to illustrate the very soul of Corsican culture.
They are generally performed on the occasion of popular festivals or religious celebrations and are a sign of the deep attachment of the Corsicans to their ancestral traditions. You should know that the historical and social context of traditional dances in Corsica is closely linked to island life.
To tell you the truth, these dances were once practiced during agricultural work or festive gatherings. It is a privileged means of expression and sharing for the inhabitants of the island. Even today, folk dances remain a living symbol of Corsican identity.
The sustainability and evolution of folk dances in modern society are clear proof of their cultural vitality. If these traditional dances are anchored in the past, they still continue to fascinate new generations. They strive to preserve this living heritage.
Corsican crafts
Corsican craftsmanship is distinguished by the diversity of its traditional trades. These include cutlery, pottery, weaving, basketry, cheese making and even jewelry production. Each of these trades perpetuates ancestral know-how which is an integral part of the history and terroir of the island.
It should be noted that Corsican cutlery is particularly renowned for the quality of its knives such as the “curnicciulu” folding knife, an essential symbol of island craftsmanship. The transmission of ancestral know-how and techniques is a major challenge for the sustainability of Corsican craftsmanship.
Many artisans in the region therefore ensure that they pass on their knowledge to future generations. Their goal is to perpetuate age-old gestures and traditions. This transmission often takes place within families themselves, but also through professional training which aims to preserve the authenticity of Corsican craftsmanship.
Crafts play a major role in the local economy and tourism in Corsica. Indeed, Corsican artisanal products, whether knives, pottery, or textiles, are very appreciated by both locals and visitors.
In addition, crafts are an essential vector of island tourism. It offers visitors the opportunity to discover unique and authentic creations. It also contributes to the economic dynamism of artisanal regions.
Customs and superstitions
Ancient customs remain deeply rooted in daily life in Corsica. Among these, we can remember the tradition of “falcunaghju”. This consists of going to your loved ones to wish them a happy new year from the first days of January.
Likewise, the “fiera di u sumere” (donkey fair), celebrated in Cervione for centuries, perpetuates an ancestral tradition linked to the agricultural world. Superstitions also have a unique place in Corsican culture. They are associated with the sea, the mountains or certain events in life.
For example, it is common to hear that coming across a black cat brings bad luck, or that throwing salt over your shoulder wards off evil spirits. Likewise, the superstitions linked to the mere and the mountains testify to the deep respect of the Corsicans for nature and its mysteries.
The impact of customs and superstitions on the modern way of life in Corsica is quite significant. While certain practices have evolved over time, many of them remain anchored in the daily lives of the islanders.
Thus, customs and superstitions help to forge a strong and unique cultural identity in Corsica. They also nourish the collective imagination and perpetuate a sacred link with the heritage of this superb island of France.
