Italy’s modest contributions to civilization include the development of modern science, the evolution of fine arts, and the establishment of civic, legal, and economic systems. Not to mention some of the most delicious food and beverages on the planet. More recently, a growing number of Italians have embraced the country’s rich tradition of dolce vita (the sweetness of life) in a much more tropical fashion.
The result of this passion is Tikitaly, a self-proclaimed “spaghetti exotica fest” that features art, music, mixology and more at an immersive site on the beach in Livorno, a major port city on the western coast of the Tuscany region. Now in its second year, the event attracts movers and shakers from around the world for seminars, concerts, Tiki carving, and many opportunities to taste top-notch drinks and spirits.
May 29 – June 1 – Tikitaly in Livorno, Italy, Featuring three days of cocktail parties, seminars, bands and DJs, artists, plus the Tiki Master Cocktail Competition.
• The Tiki Times: See all the upcoming events
About Tikitaly
A major Tiki event based in Italy makes total sense when you think about it. The South Pacific spirit of ohana (the Hawaiian word for family) drives the global scene’s sense of community and mutual support. This is not unlike la famiglia (family) and fratellanza (brotherhood), concepts that form the bedrock of Italian society.
Italy didn’t embrace Polynesian Pop until the 21st century revival, but enthusiasts are doing their best to make up for lost time. Nu Lounge Bar in Bologna (est. 2000) was a pioneer, bringing flamboyant Tiki cocktails to a new generation. In the past decade, driven by the craft cocktail explosion, a new wave of Tiki-themed bars has emerged. Most notable are Luau Tiki Bar in Bari (2015), Makai Surf & Tiki Bar in Roma (2016), Rita’s Tiki Room in Milano (2019), Bali Ha’i in Jesolo (2021), Encio’s Tiki Bar in Ferrara (2021), and Waikiki Speaki-Tiki Bar in Trieste (2021).
Inspired by traditional mid-century American escapism, the Italians add their own flair, most notably their high culinary standards and inventiveness. The Tiki scene in Italy is also closely linked to retro musical subcultures, most notably rockabilly and surf. It’s no accident that Tikitaly takes place in and around the Surfer Joe Cafe & Diner on the beach in Livorno. The restaurant is owned by Luca Valdambrini, whose brother Lorenzo Valdambrini is the musician behind the Surfer Joe band over the past 15 years.
The Surfer Joe Summer Festival, which will return next year, has run continually since 2003. The event moved in 2012 to the cafe with outdoor stages on Livorno’s seafront promenade, Terrazza Mascagni. Tikitaly takes advantage of this same exotic locale.
Tikitaly highlights
COCKTAILS: Tikitaly will host such notable international mixologists and spirits experts as David Cordoba (Mr. Daiquiri, Spain), Daniele Dalla Pola (Kaona Room, Miami), Georgi Radev (Lake Kane, London), Adam Rains (The Golden Tiki, Las Vegas), and Scotty Schuder (Dirty Dick, Paris). Also showing off their skills will be some of Italy’s best Tiki bartenders, including Alessandro D’Alessio (Rita’s Tiki Room, Milano), Davide Mitacchione (Luau Tiki Bar, Bari), and Gianni Zottola (Cocktail Engineering Academy), plus bartenders from Makai (Roma). Rum and Tiki author Matt Pietrek of Wonk Press (now based in France) will also participate with a signature seminar, “Recreating Tiki Classics: What We got Wrong.” Sponsor Planteray Rum will present “Rum Rhapsody,” a deep dive into the world of rum through the lens of music, inspired by Tiki bar pioneer Don the Beachcomber.
MUSIC: Bands and DJs from across Europe will perform daily, including Les Hommes (London), L’Exotighost (Spain), Sinfonico Honolulu (Italy), and The Ukelites (Germany).
ARTISTS: Tiki carvers – including Paul Campese (Italy), Thalys Tiki Art (Germany), and Tiki Tim Dyson (Australia) – will show off their work. Polyneisan culture will also be represented with dance performances by Hula Tahiti.
TIKI MASTER: The festivities conclude on Monday (June 1) with the latest Tiki Master Cocktail Competition, which held a U.S. showdown during Miami Rum Congress in February. [See recap] The six finalists from across Italy who will compete in Livorno are: Adrian Castaneda (Caribbean Club, Barcelona), Francesco Lisco (Raw Bar, Bari), Marco Mazzariol (Bali Ha’i, Jesolo), Simone Mina (Checchino Dal 1887, Roma), Edoardo Otalora (Bootleg, Roma), and Lorenzo Sardo (Rita’s Tiki Room, Milano).
MORE INFO: Go to the official site to buy tickets. Follow the Instagram and Facebook pages to see all of the special guests who will be attending.
MORE UPCOMING EVENTS
UPDATES: The Tiki Times: Exclusive events guide
Check the calendar for all of the major happenings around the world, from Tiki weekenders to rum festivals to marketplaces and music fests.
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