Verona is getting a distinctly Irish makeover this weekend, with up to 80 people from Ireland helping to bring Gaelic games, music and crafts to one of Italy’s best-known cultural gatherings.
The Tocatí festival, held annually in the city, is welcoming Ireland as its guest country of honour this year.
Running over three days, the event typically attracts as many as 300,000 visitors. Tocatí centres on traditional games and cultural practices and has been recognised by UNESCO for its role in safeguarding cultural heritage.
Across Verona, festival-goers are being introduced to a wide mix of Gaelic Games and related cultural events.
A series of workshops is also under way, spanning Irish currachs, knitting, music, singing and storytelling.
In one of the city’s parks, the GAA’s sporting traditions are on display through demonstrations and exhibitions of hurling, camogie, football and poc fada, alongside traditional skills such as dry-stone wall building.
Bríd Uí Chonghaile gives a demonstration of Aran sweater-making to a group of Italian women
Chris Collins, Europe Head of Operations with the GAA, said the invitation marks a proud moment for Ireland and the association, describing it as an honour 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.
GAA President Jarlath Burns, speaking at the festival, said it was a huge privilege to see Irish Gaelic games showcased in Italy as part of the programme.
“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.”
Verona is also hosting the Central East Regional finals of the GAA this weekend, drawing members of GAA clubs from across Europe to the city.
At the games, Gearóid Mac Giolla Fhinnéin, who helped set up Italy’s second GAA club in Milan, said the weekend carries special meaning for the Irish diaspora around Europe, providing a chance to gather around Irish sport and culture.
“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.
Irish cultural workshops and performances are taking place in Verona
Alongside the sporting fixtures, the Irish delegation is presenting a range of exhibitions and hands-on sessions highlighting different strands of Irish life and tradition.
On the banks of the Adige River, boat builder Micheál Ó Maolchiaráin is leading a talk and workshop exploring the history and construction of the traditional Irish currach.
Across on the opposite riverbank, Bríd Uí Chonghaile is demonstrating Irish knitting techniques and Aran sweater-making for 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 are set to continue flowing through Verona’s streets until the festival wraps up this evening.
