Gaeta Yacht Med Festival
At the end of April each year the town of Gaeta holds a week-long event named the Gaeta Yacht Med Festival. The festival focuses on the local economy of the sea, sailing, fishing, together with the environment, culture and tourism. Gaeta has a long maritime history and has long been a busy trading port. The main produce to be exported from Gaeta are table olives, which are grown on the local hillsides of Itri, but are more commonly known as Gaeta Olives.
Lining the seafront boulevard of Lungomare Giovanni Caboto that leads to historic Medieval Quarter of Gaeta and Punto Stendardo, there are an array of stalls promoting all things maritime and nautical. Of course there is always an selection of classy boats on show, with prices to match. The Guardia di Finanza often open their training ship to the public.
There are also many stalls promoting local crafts such as ceramics and stramme work, and also stalls selling local produce and gastronomy. Other booths represent local natural parks in the area of Latina and Lazio and also the environment.
There are many types of entertainment such rowing competitions, demonstrations by teams of flag throwers dressed in Medieval costumes (known as sbandieratori) and colourful troops of majorettes. There are also theatrical performances, poetry readings and musical concerts to suit all tastes. Finally on the last night the festival culminates in an impressive firework display.
