Autumn Festival

An evening of folk music in the heart of Cisternino

The Autumn Festival is an intimate and convivial gathering that celebrates the arrival of the year's most reflective season with an evening of folk music, singing, and dancing. It takes place in the historic center of Cisternino, in the province of Brindisi, one of the most picturesque villages in the Itria Valley, and is aimed at those who love the musical traditions of Puglia experienced in an authentic way, far from the big stages.

At the heart of the festival are the Musicisti Valle d'Itria, a local group that leads the audience through folk sounds, infectious rhythms, and traditional songs. The organizers' invitation is simple and direct: bring your desire to dance and let yourself be swept up in a warm and informal atmosphere.

Officine Zen, a creative space in Piazza Marconi

The evening is held at Officine Zen, in Piazza Guglielmo Marconi, in the center of Cisternino. This is no ordinary venue: it is a cultural association and creative space where food, art, and community merge. Throughout the year, Officine Zen hosts concerts, exhibitions, workshops, book presentations, and themed evenings, with the goal of giving a voice to creativity and building authentic local bonds.

The musical tradition of the Itria Valley

The Autumn Festival is rooted in the rich tradition of Apulian folk music. In the Itria Valley, as in the entire southern part of the region, folk songs and dances have accompanied moments of collective celebration for centuries: tambourines, accordions, and voices intertwine in rhythms that invite group dancing. It is music made for the square and for the community, turning an evening into an opportunity for different generations to meet.

Cisternino, a village among the trulli

Cisternino is a small town in the Itria Valley that rises among the famous trulli and dry-stone walls, straddling the provinces of Brindisi, Bari, and Taranto. Listed among the most beautiful villages in Italy, the town preserves a historic center made of white alleys, courtyards, and stairways—a perfect setting for a festival dedicated to the folk traditions of Puglia.

Free admission and a convivial atmosphere

The Autumn Festival is a free-entry event designed to be accessible to everyone: families, curious visitors, folk music enthusiasts, and travelers passing through. It is the ideal opportunity to discover the most authentic and communal side of Cisternino, amidst good music, human warmth, and the spirit of togetherness that characterizes the Itria Valley.