Irish culture celebrated at Italian festival in Verona

Up to 80 Irish people are taking part in a major Italian festival in the city of Verona this weekend.

The Tocatí festival is held each year in the city and this year Ireland is the guest country of honour at the festival.

The three-day event draws up to 300,000 people to the city each year. The festival celebrates traditional games and culture and is recognised by UNESCO for its work in safeguarding cultural heritage.

There is a broad spectrum of Gaelic Games and cultural events happening in the city during the festival.

There are also cultural workshops featuring Irish currachs, knitting, music, singing and storytelling performances.

In one of the city parks there are displays and exhibitions of the various sports of the GAA, including hurling, camogie, football and poc fada as well as some traditional skills such as dry-stone wall building.

Chris Collins, Europe Head of Operations with the GAA, said it is a very proud moment for Ireland and the GAA to be the guest of honour at Tocatí 2026.

"We have over 6,500 members of the GAA across Europe but we don't have a club in Verona. We have two other clubs already in Italy, so we are now hoping to establish a third Italian club here in Verona.

"It is exciting and it's been an unbelievable experience to be here with our music and dance and our games," said Mr Collins.

Speaking at the festival, GAA President Jarlath Burns said it was a huge privilege for the GAA that Irish Gaelic games are showcased in Italy during the festival.

"When this festival is over and the crowds have left, we hope to leave a legacy piece in Verona with the establishing of a new GAA club."

The Central East Regional finals of the GAA are also being held in Italy this weekend, which has brought members of the various GAA clubs in Europe together in Verona.

Speaking at the games, Gearóid Mac Giolla Fhinnéin who helped establish Italy’s second GAA club in Milan, said it was a source of huge pride for the Irish diaspora throughout Europe to have the festival and to come together to celebrate Irish culture and sport.

"It’s a huge reward and recognition for all of us who work abroad for our involvement and work in preserving and promoting our culture," Mr Mac Giolla Fhinnéin said.

As part of the Irish delegation to the festival, there are various workshops and exhibitions featuring aspects of Irish culture.

On the banks of the Adige River, boat builder Micheál Ó Maolchiaráin is giving a presentation and a workshop on the history and building of a traditional Irish currach.

While on the opposite bank of the river, Bríd Uí Chonghaile is giving a demonstration of Irish knitting and Aran sweater-making to a group of Italian women.

"The Italian women here are very interested in learning the skill and they seem very determined, but the stiches are difficult, but they are enjoying it," she said.

Irish music and dance will continue to echo through the streets of Verona before the festival concludes this evening.