Festival delle Radici

The Festival delle Radici in Laterza

The Festival delle Radici is a summer festival that brings the historic center of Laterza to life, in the province of Taranto, nestled in the heart of the Terra delle Gravine in Apulia. Created to share the story of the local community through folk music, memory, and local storytelling, the festival focuses on the experiences of those who migrated and those who returned, celebrating a collective identity and a deep bond with one's origins.

Folk music and Salento traditions

The beating heart of the event is Apulian folk music: the sounds of pizzica, tambourines, and traditional Salento songs echo through the streets and squares of the town. The evenings feature a mix of concerts, dance workshops, and community gatherings, starring artists such as Salvatore Galeanda, a historic voice of the Notte della Taranta orchestra, and the renowned Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino.

Between squares and historic palaces

The festival transforms some of Laterza's iconic landmarks into open-air stages: Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, the town's living room, and the evocative Corte del Palazzo Marchesale host concerts, documentary screenings, and meetings. Visitors can also enjoy antique markets, food and wine stalls showcasing local flavors, and dedicated spaces for children.

Memory, cinema, and community

Beyond music, the Festival delle Radici provides a platform for storytelling and memory: screenings of docu-series and personal testimonies reconstruct the history of local families, such as the story of the fairground workers featured in the documentary dedicated to the "Kings of the Luna Park." It is a widespread, free festival designed for the entire community, from children to the elderly, blending entertainment with the rediscovery of traditions.

Laterza and the Terra delle Gravine

Situated on the edge of one of the most spectacular ravines in Apulia, Laterza is a village known for its ceramic tradition and rock-hewn landscape. The Festival delle Radici is part of the vibrant summer calendar of Laterza, offering residents and visitors the chance to experience the historic center and get to know the authentic soul of this corner of the Taranto area.

2026 Edition

The dates and program for the 2026 edition of the Festival delle Radici have not yet been announced. The event, promoted by local associations such as Pro Madonna delle Grazie with the patronage of the Municipality of Laterza, is traditionally held in July. Updates are shared through the social media channels of the organizers and the Municipality.