Casting da Cani

Casting da Cani, the six-legged catwalk of Vallo della Lucania

Casting da Cani is the dog show that brings the center of Vallo della Lucania to life every summer. Located in the province of Salerno, this town is considered the natural capital of inland Cilento, in Campania. Established in 2024 by the cultural and recreational association Lino's Production, the event has become a permanent fixture in the Estate Vallese calendar, a program of events promoted by the Municipality of Vallo della Lucania between June and September.

This is not a dog show in the technical sense: pedigree and expert scores don't matter here. Instead, it is all about charm, the bond between the dog and its owner, and, above all, the message the initiative carries. The result is a lighthearted, popular, and well-attended evening that addresses the issues of stray animals and adoption without ever feeling heavy-handed.

How the competition works

The formula is simple. Owners walk their dogs along an outdoor runway in front of a crowd filling the square. Contestants are divided into two categories:

• Purebred dogs, of any size and age;
• Mixed-breed dogs, a category that attracts a large number of entries every year.

Winners are chosen by a jury of children: a deliberate choice that puts the little ones in the spotlight and teaches them respect for animals in a direct way. As you might expect, the verdict rewards personality and spontaneity over elegance.

Prizes and certificates

All contestants receive a participation certificate, while the top three in each category are awarded packs of dog treats provided by Ayoca, a sponsor that has supported the event since its first edition. No one goes home empty-handed: it is one of the event's unwritten rules.

A message against abandonment

Behind the fun, there is a very concrete goal. As organizer Lino Miraldi explained, Casting da Cani was created to promote the fight against animal abandonment and encourage the adoption of dogs housed in the Fiere di Vallo facilities. In previous editions, the event has also served as an opportunity to remind the public about the importance of microchipping, sterilization, and responsible adoption—key issues in a region where stray animals remain a significant challenge.

The evening thus becomes a small, open-air civic education lesson: those who come to watch the dogs parade also take home useful information on how to adopt and what it means to care for an animal for its entire life.

Who organizes it

The event is organized by the cultural and recreational association Lino's Production, with the patronage of the Municipality of Vallo della Lucania and the collaboration of Fare Ambiente and the Pro Loco of Vallo della Lucania. The inaugural 2024 edition also saw the collaboration of the Interact Club of Vallo della Lucania.

Vallo della Lucania and Cilento

Vallo della Lucania is the main hub of inland Cilento and hosts the headquarters of the Cilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The historic center, with the Dominican cloister and local theaters, provides the backdrop for a summer packed with events: from the patronal feasts of San Pantaleone to the Leon Fest, and from food festivals to musical reviews. Casting da Cani fits into this calendar as one of the most family-friendly and inclusive moments, bringing together children, the elderly, and animal welfare volunteers.

For those visiting Cilento in July, it is also a chance to see the town in its most authentic dimension: the crowded square, families heading out after sunset, and evening strolls along the main street, far from the coastal crowds.

Tips for participants

• The event takes place in the evening: it starts after 7:00 PM, when the heat subsides.
• Those bringing their dog should bring a leash, water, and a bowl: the square is outdoors and it is mid-July.
• The event is suitable for children, who play a leading role in the competition.
• For updated information on times and registration, it is best to follow the channels of the Lino's Production association and the local Cilento press.