THE “SIREN FESTIVAL”, IN VASTO

The decision to focus on this particular event stems from the fact that, in the last four years, it has become the hub of the tourist attraction of my city, Vasto. A unique setting, a historic city overlooking the sea that, thanks to its enviable position, over the years has established itself as one of the most fascinating places in central Italy.

The Siren Festival is one of the biggest summer events, which takes place exclusively in Vasto and in no other Italian city. It makes the city heated and alive during the last weekend of July, involving tourists of all ages, as it provides a series of events and activities held 24 hours a day; such as animations on the beach, art and film exhibitions in the historic center and concerts and DJ sets during the night, which make all tourists and Vasto habitants participate, from the youngest to the oldest. The greatest peculiarity is that it hosts artists from all over the world, capturing the attention of many young Europeans who decide to spend a small part of their summer in the village of Vasto, discovering every historical feature and spending four days of fun, light-heartedness and relaxation, as of course the season calls.

What makes this event unique is its atmosphere: makes the city radiant and gives it a different light, which was not perceived for years. This festival, the Siren, from year to year, is widening its limits to a greater extent, distributing over 6 stages, 30 live and dj-sets in every alley in the historic center and then down to the Marina di Vasto. For us, inhabitants Vastesi, was a miracle, as in recent times our city had been labeled as a "city of dead tourism" and mainly concentrated on a high age group, which did not involve young people and did not hold any kind of event that could attract them; this aroused the displeasure of every citizen who did not see the beauty and tourist opportunities that his country offers enhanced. I think that it was Siren, a festival of a certain caliber, which made the city flourish and give it its right tourist value. I think that was exactly what was needed.

Then, for four years now, Vasto, with its beaches, the characteristic alleys of the center and the squares overlooking the sea like terraces, is the stage that hosts the Siren Festival every year.

Antonella Stivaletta

(Artigo de opinião produzido no âmbito da unidade curricular “Economia do Turismo”, de opção, lecionada a alunos de vários cursos de mestrado da EEG, a funcionar no 2º semestre do ano letivo 2018/2019)