A Prescindere...

Great comedy cinema under the Cilento stars

Every summer, in mid-July, Piazza San Domenico in the old town of Marina di Camerota—a village within the municipality of Camerota in the province of Salerno—turns into an open-air movie theater. The A Prescindere... festival features two nights of screenings, stand-up comedy, live music, and local history, all with free admission. The program kicks off late in the evening, as the heat fades and the square fills with chairs and spectators.

A festival born from a passion for Italian comedy

The title is an explicit tribute to Totò, the Prince of Laughter: "a prescindere" is one of Antonio De Curtis's most famous catchphrases, which has entered common parlance far beyond the borders of Campania. Building on this ironic spirit, the festival has established its identity over the years, alternating masterpieces of Italian comedy with the great Neapolitan performers of the 20th century, from Totò to Massimo Troisi.

The event reached its 13th edition in 2026, following the twelfth held in the same square in July 2025. This continuity has made A Prescindere... one of the most recognizable cultural events of the Camerota summer, successfully complementing the many beach activities with accessible cinema and comedy theater.

Cinema, cabaret, music, and local history

The formula is well-established and revolves around four complementary themes:

• Open-air cinema: Screenings of cult Italian comedy films, from Totò's classics to the new wave of Neapolitan comedy.
• Stand-up comedy: The "Long Night of Cabaret," featuring performances by comedians from Campania and across Italy that continue late into the night.
• Live music: Concerts dedicated to Neapolitan songs and traditional melodies.
• Local history: Documentaries and archival materials dedicated to the history of Marina di Camerota and the Cilento region, often presented as premieres.

The evenings are hosted by professional presenters and balance the energy of live performances with the reflective pause of film screenings, attracting an audience ranging from families to groups of young vacationers.

Piazza San Domenico, the living room of the old town

The choice of location is no coincidence. Piazza San Domenico is nestled in the historic center of Marina di Camerota, just a few dozen meters from the harbor and the seafront. It acts as a small natural amphitheater of white houses, narrow alleys, and stairways, offering intimate acoustics and a picturesque backdrop. Seating is set up for the occasion, and those who arrive early can find a comfortable spot; others watch from the edges of the square or the surrounding terraces.

In the heart of the Cilento National Park

Marina di Camerota is one of the most beloved destinations on the Cilento coast, famous for its sea caves, hidden coves accessible only by boat, and the beaches of Lentiscelle, Cala Bianca, and Pozzallo. The festival is part of a busy summer calendar that includes food festivals, patronal feasts, and musical events throughout the Cilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Attending an evening of A Prescindere... is the perfect opportunity to discover the town beyond the beach, at a time of day when the village reveals its most authentic side.

Organizers

The festival is promoted and organized by the OPERA Association, a local cultural group dedicated to enhancing the region's historical and artistic heritage, which also produces documentaries on the history of Marina di Camerota. The event is supported by the Municipality of Camerota, the Cilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni National Park Authority, the Salerno Chamber of Commerce, the Meeting del Mare C.R.E.A. Foundation, and the Confesercenti of Salerno.

Why it's worth attending

A Prescindere... is not a massive, monumental festival; it is a well-crafted local event that is free, carefully curated, and restores the square to its original purpose as a meeting place. For those vacationing in Cilento, it is one of the simplest and most pleasant ways to connect with Campanian popular culture, between a laugh with Totò and a Neapolitan melody sung at midnight.