The Portobello Bay (Bay of Silence) in Sestri Levante becomes an outdoor stage under the stars for the surprising Barcarolata.
This event, organised by the Municipality of Sestri Levante and by the Naval League, is a real parade on the sea: visitors and inhabitants compete in decorating small boats with papier-mâché, colourful lights and carnival costumes. In the end spectacular fireworks make the view of the sea by night even more charming.
This event was created by Cav. Giovanni Magnelli of the Tourism Office in the 1960s and it is a “must-see” during the summer in the Ligurian Riviera.
A prestigious jury evaluates all the boats which parade starting from 09:30 pm and awards the most beautiful and original one.
Every year Sestri Levante waits for its visitors to enchant them with a timeless exhibition which paints the sea with lights and colours in the romantic Baia di Portobello (Bay of Silence), symbol of ancient fishing habits and old lifestyles.