Velarìa ● Scalo alla Spezia ● 20.21.22 March 2026 ● Molo Italia ● La Spezia
ORGANIZED BY
UNDER THE PATRONAGE OF
POWERED BY
Velarìa Village
HarbourBites
The Harbour Bites will be a welcoming and atmospheric space where visitors can rediscover the authentic flavours of the Gulf of La Spezia. Local signature products will take centre stage, such as "muscoli" (local mussels), alongside traditional humble dishes shaped by the frugal seafaring way of life.
Music
Live performances will provide the soundtrack to Velarìa: a true musical journey, bringing together sounds and traditions from different places, united by a shared folk and seafaring spirit.
Sailing Ships
Historic tall ships and Italian Navy sailing vessels embody the most authentic spirit of maritime tradition and the great naval heritage of the Mediterranean. At Velarìa, these extraordinary ships will not only be admired but truly experienced: they will open their hatches to the public, offering an immersive programme of guided tours, re-enactments of traditional seafaring practices and, on selected occasions, talks and conferences held directly on the water.
The Mediterranean Route
The Mediterranean, cradle of civilisation and crossroads of cultures, has shaped the course of European and world history. A stage for trade, arts, crafts and traditions rooted in millennia of history; it continues to stand as a powerful symbol of connection and mutual enrichment.
La Spezia, located at the heart of this extraordinary basin, emerges as the ideal setting for an event celebrating maritime heritage and the culture of historic tall ships.
From 20 to 22 March, with VELARÌA – Scalo alla Spezia, the city will become one of the key stops along the Mediterranean Route, the International Maritime Festival created through an agreement between the Municipality of La Spezia and the cities of Sète in France and Castellón de la Plana in Spain, home to the famous festivals Escale à Sète and Escala a Castelló.
This partnership gives rise to an ideal route that crosses the Mediterranean not only as a space of navigation, but as a living place of exchange, where culture and maritime traditions intertwine. Velarìa was created to preserve and pass on this shared heritage, transforming each port into a landing place of stories, encounters and shared identities.For three days, La Spezia will become the stage for a unique event: some of Europe’s largest and oldest tall ships, together with the most prestigious Italian Navy sailing vessels, will be moored at Molo Italia. Citizens, students and visitors will be able to step on board and enjoy an immersive experience through guided tours, stories from the sea, and educational workshops dedicated to the art of seamanship.
Surrounding the ships, the Velarìa Village will come to life — a festive waterfront setting where local food and wine traditions, Ligurian folk music and activities for families and children will engage and delight the public.
● SAILING SHIPS ● Santa Maria Manuela ● Phoenix ● Vera Cruz ● La Grace ● Pandora ● Oloferne ● Amore Mio ● Nao Victoria ● Pascual Flores