Ceglie Young Festival

A festival for the youth, by the youth

The Ceglie Young Festival was created to foster connection among the new generation through art, music, and culture. Conceived and organized by the social promotion association Casarmonica with the patronage of the Municipality of Ceglie Messapica, the festival connects talent, builds paths for artistic growth and awareness, and supports independent local productions by providing technical and logistical support to those taking their first steps in the creative world.

Where it all began: Retroscena

The festival's headquarters is Retroscena, located on Via Beato Angelico—a space created by Casarmonica for youth training and community building through play, arts, and performance crafts. This is where the open stage, community lunches, workshops, and most concerts take place, while some events move to evocative locations in the town center, such as the Med Cooking School.

A multidisciplinary program

The Ceglie Young Festival combines diverse languages into one intense calendar. In past editions, the audience has experienced:

• Free workshops in theater, movement, and percussion (often using recycled materials), led by artists and trainers;
• Evening open stages, a free space dedicated to young performers;
• Live concerts and freestyle rap events featuring local MCs;
• Theater and contemporary dance performances;
• Artistic tours and installations, including night-time sessions.

Participation in all events is free; booking is required for workshops due to limited capacity.

Ceglie Messapica and the Itria Valley

Set in Ceglie Messapica, one of the most characteristic villages in the Province of Brindisi and the Itria Valley in Puglia, the festival takes place in a setting rich in history, among white-washed alleys, gastronomic traditions, and a vibrant cultural scene. The Ceglie Young Festival is a key element of the town's summer and early autumn cultural offering, providing a voice and a stage for the next generation.