Children's White Night

The seventh edition: three evenings for the little ones

In 2025, the Children's White Night in Otranto reached its seventh edition, spread over three evenings — August 27, 29, and 30 — promoted by the Department of Kindness of the Municipality of Otranto together with the La Palumbara association. The common thread, summarized in the slogan "Turn off your phones, turn on your childhood", invited children and families to rediscover authentic play, away from screens.

The heart of the event was set up between Largo Porta Alfonsina, the Lungomare degli Eroi, and the Aragonese Castle area, with over fifty play stations and numerous areas dedicated to the little ones. Among the novelties of 2025, the exhibition of antique toys "Era più bello" (It was more beautiful), designed to tell the story of the charm of games of the past, and creative workshops inspired by the sea.

There was no shortage of shows — from dance to comedy theater, to the roaming street band — and the solidarity component, with a workshop supporting the Lene Thun Foundation for children undergoing cancer treatment. The free guided tours of the Aragonese Castle combined fun with the discovery of Otranto's heritage, confirming the event as one of the most beloved appointments of the Salento summer.

Wednesday, August 27

• 9:00 PM — Largo Porta Alfonsina: "Fuori Asse", contemporary dance performance choreographed by Federica Gelsomino

Friday, August 29

• 6:00 PM — Aragonese Castle: free guided tour
• From 7:00 PM to midnight — Largo Porta Alfonsina and Largo Monumento agli Eroi: over 50 play stations and 12 kids' stations, canvas painting workshop, comedy theater show, and roaming street band

Saturday, August 30

• 6:00 PM — Aragonese Castle: free guided tour
• From 7:00 PM to midnight — creative workshops, educational exhibition, and comedy theater show

Activities scheduled for the evenings

• "Era più bello" — antique toy exhibition
• "Onde creative" — sea-inspired craft workshop on the seafront
• "Missione: merenda sana" — healthy eating education activity
• Solidarity workshop in favor of the Lene Thun Foundation