The Corsican language is not a dialect of Italian, but rather the result of a specific mixture of several languages. It has many obviously Latin roots. But one can also find Greek and French influences as well as certain words and expressions borrowed from dialects such as Calabrais or Sardinian.

“Pace i salute” (Peace and health) is an expression we use at the new year.

Bonghjurnu Cumu hé? (Hello, how are you?)                    

The Corsican culture is also a rich mixture of peoples.  Art, music, poetry, cuisine and ancient musical instruments reflect a multi-cultural people.

Voices and souls mix in Coriscan polyphonies to produce a fascinating ballet. Songs from the oral tradition have crossed through the centuries by nourishing different influences. Three different voices (sicanda, bassu et terza) may be heard at the same time. If we add Paghjella ( the most popular profane polyphony), Corsican music has become much more well-known recently thanks to the quality, to the seriousness and to the pleasure which musical groups offer to an increasingly wider audience.

To do and to see:

Corsican music concerts (if possible outdoors on a beautiful summer night)

u catenacciu (religious procession with songs and suits on the occasion of Holy Friday