Cantacolline

Cantacolline, the singing competition of Candela

In the heart of the Monti Dauni, at the western edge of the Foggia province, the small town of Candela hosts one of the region's most deeply rooted musical events every summer: Cantacolline, a singing competition that has been enlivening Ferragosto evenings since 1985. Conceived and directed by Maestro Francesco Marano, a pianist and accordionist from Candela, the event has become a true local institution over the years, drawing audiences from across the Monti Dauni area and the nearby regions of Basilicata and Campania.

A strictly live competition

What sets Cantacolline apart from the many talent shows and singing contests is the choice—proudly maintained for forty years—of music performed entirely live. Contestants, including soloists and bands, perform accompanied by the official festival band and are evaluated by a technical jury of external experts. No pre-recorded backing tracks here, just an authentic stage where voice and interpretation make the difference.

Forty years of history

Founded in 1985, Cantacolline has spanned four decades of editions, interrupted only once in 2020 due to the health emergency. In 2025, the event celebrated its fortieth edition, confirming the deep bond between the competition, the community, and its founder, who has overseen its artistic direction since the beginning. The association Le Sette Note dell'Arcobaleno organizes the event under the patronage of the Municipality of Candela.

Ferragosto in Candela

Cantacolline is part of a rich summer calendar that fills the squares and streets of Candela with concerts, shows, food festivals, and family events between July and August. The competition night, traditionally held around August 15th, is one of the highlights of the Candela summer, taking place outdoors with free admission.

Candela and the Monti Dauni

Located in Puglia, on the border with Campania and Basilicata, Candela is a village in the Monti Dauni known for its historic center, gastronomic traditions—from orecchiette to typical sub-Apennine products—and a hospitality that has earned it national recognition in recent years. Attending Cantacolline is also an opportunity to discover this authentic and still off-the-beaten-path corner of inland Puglia.

2026 Edition

The dates for the 2026 edition of Cantacolline have not yet been officially announced. The event traditionally takes place around Ferragosto: we recommend following the channels of the Municipality of Candela and the organizers to find out the program as soon as it becomes available.