CALABRIA

GET TO KNOW "THE TOE"

Geographical Location

Calabria is located in the "toe" of the Italian Peninsula's boot-shaped map, bordered by the Tyrrhenian Sea to the west and the Ionian Sea to the east. It is separated from Sicily by the Strait of Messina.

Culinary Identity

Calabrian cuisine is famous for being spicy, with heavy use of chili peppers (peperoncino), 'nduja (a soft, spicy salami), oregano and other herbs and spices, and preserved vegetables.

Natural Beauty

Calabria is known for its mountainous interior (like the Aspromonte and Sila ranges) and pristine coastlines, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and beachgoers.

Cultural Heritage

It has a strong folk tradition with unique music, dance, crafts, and religious festivals, including La Varia di Palmi(UNESCO heritage), a massive human tower parade.

Bergamot Production

Calabria produces over 90% of the world's bergamot, a citrus fruit primarily used in perfumes and to flavor Earl Grey tea.

Capital City

The regional capital is Catanzaro, but the largest city is Reggio Calabria, which also has significant cultural and economic importance.

Ancient History

Calabria was part of Magna Graecia, the area of southern Italy heavily colonized by ancient Greek settlers in the 8th–5th centuries BCE. Many archaeological remains reflect this influence.

Language & Dialects

Italian is the official language, but Calabrian dialects (closely related to Sicilian) are widely spoken. In some towns, Arbëreshë, a language of Albanian origin, is still used due to 15th-century Albanian settlements.

Economy

Calabria's economy is traditionally based on agriculture (olive oil, citrus fruits, bergamot), but also suffers from high unemployment and underdevelopment compared to northern Italy.

Organized Crime

The region is home to the ’Ndrangheta, one of the most powerful and secretive criminal organizations in the world. It has a strong influence on the local economy and politics.