The Esplanade de la Major will host from June 7 to 9, 2026 the first edition of the Isula Festival, dedicated to Corsican culture. Culture, economy, music, gastronomy and even crafts will be there organized by Audrey Lucchinacci, also manager of Son des Guitares. A “bridge between the cultures” of Corsica and Marseille is the project of the Isula Festival. First of his name, he wants to highlight Corsica on June 7, 8 and 9. The starting point is the night establishment Le Son des Guitares (https://www.laprovence.com/article/edition-marseille/815955/marseille-le-son-des-guitares-une-institution.html), which has welcomed the Corsican community for more than 80 years near the Old Port. “I see the great encounters we have there, but that is limited to evenings. The aim of this event is to organize a unifying moment and to open up our field of action”, specifies Audrey Lucchinacci, manager of the bar and founder of the Cultura e Musicanta association which organizes the festival. The first edition is held on the Esplanade de la Major (https://www.laprovence.com/article/economie/3005932/la-major-cathedrale-que-marseille-redecouvre.html), at the entrance to the Panier district (https://www.laprovence.com/article/region/6581060241976114/quartiers-de-marseille-le-panier-par-celles-et-ceux-qui-y-vivent-et-y-travaillent). A place which is not without historical resonance because it represents the first point of access between Marseille and Corsica, and has welcomed numerous generations. “When I was little and I went out to Le Panier, Corsican was spoken in all the shops,” recalls Jean Dal Colletto, president of the Maison de la Corse (https://www.laprovence.com/article/edition-marseille/3979103/jean-dal-colletto-a-la-tete-de-la-maison-de-la-corse.html).
