Friendship & Solidarity Days
Two evenings of medical awareness and music in Carmiano, in the heart of Salento
About Friendship & Solidarity Days
A solidarity event in the heart of Salento
The Friendship & Solidarity Days are a charity event that brings Carmiano to life, a town in the province of Lecce, in the heart of the Salento region of Puglia. The initiative is organized by the Carmiano Nostra APS-ETS association in memory of Prof. Trentino Giovanni Mazzotta, a figure deeply loved by the local community, and was born with the goal of combining culture, scientific outreach, and a commitment to the fight against cancer.
Two evenings, two spirits
The event is divided into two major free-entry appointments, hosted in the spaces of Piazza del Tempo. The first evening is dedicated to medical prevention: a meeting with specialists in oncology, vascular surgery, urology, plastic surgery, and psycho-oncology who address the topics of treatment and early diagnosis in accessible language. The second evening shifts gears completely, transforming into a grand musical celebration with the Gran Tenzone Carmianese – Song Contest, which brings the voices and emerging talents of the Salento area to the stage.
The cause: the fight against cancer
The ultimate goal of the initiative is fundraising to support organizations committed to fighting oncological and hematological diseases in the region. The funds raised during the evenings are donated in full to associations such as LILT (Italian League for the Fight Against Cancer) and AIL, demonstrating how a small community can transform culture and music into a concrete gesture of generosity.
A community event in Carmiano
The Friendship & Solidarity Days represent much more than just an event: they are a moment of cohesion for the entire community of Carmiano, which identifies with the values of friendship, memory, and solidarity. The event is sponsored by the Municipality of Carmiano, the Province of Lecce, and the GAL Terra d'Arneo, confirming the initiative's deep roots in the social fabric of Salento and Puglia.
Why attend
- Free-entry evenings open to the public
- An opportunity for information and prevention with local doctors and specialists
- A musical show that highlights Salento talents
- A concrete gesture of solidarity in the fight against cancer
Friendship & Solidarity Days — edition 2026
2nd edition: prevention and music for LILT
The second edition of the Friendship & Solidarity Days will be held in Carmiano (Lecce) on Friday, July 10, and Saturday, July 18, 2026, under the patronage of the Municipality of Carmiano, the Province of Lecce, and the GAL Terra d'Arneo. The 2026 edition dedicates its fundraising to the Centro Ilma of LILT Gallipoli, a center of excellence for primary cancer prevention.
Friday, July 10 – Meeting with experts
At 7:00 PM, at the "F.lli Lumière" Cineteatro in Piazza del Tempo, the evening "Friends forever for prevention – Meeting with Experts" will take place, moderated by Dr. Christian Petrelli. A panel of specialists in oncology, vascular surgery, urology, plastic surgery, and psycho-oncology will address the topics of treatment and early diagnosis, with a focus on the Centro Ilma.
Saturday, July 18 – Fourth Gran Tenzone Carmianese
At 8:30 PM, in the Atrium of the "A. Lecciso" School, the event will conclude with the Fourth Gran Tenzone Carmianese – Song Contest, a celebration dedicated to Salento's musical talents. The jury president is Maria Grazia Fontana, musician and vocal coach for Rai 1.
Information
- Free entry to both evenings
- Main partner: IDROVELOX Team Petrelli; supporters: APRON and BCC Terra d'Otranto
- Fundraising for the Centro Ilma of LILT Gallipoli
Programme Friendship & Solidarity Days 2026
Friday, July 10, 2026 – 7:00 PM
"F.lli Lumière" Cineteatro, Piazza del Tempo
"Friends forever for prevention – Meeting with Experts", moderated by Dr. Christian Petrelli. Panel of specialists: Dr. Vincenzo Pagliarulo (Urology, Lecce), Prof. Raffaele Pulli (Vascular Surgery, A.O.U. Careggi-Florence), Dr. Lorenzo Roca (Plastic Surgery, Lecce), Dr. Giuseppe Quarta and Dr. Valeria Simone (Oncology, Gallipoli), Dr. Maria Antonietta Berio (Psycho-oncology), Dr. Giovanni Santacroce (Oncology). Interventions by Dr. Simonetta Pepe and Dr. Giuseppe Serravezza (LILT Lecce) regarding the Centro Ilma.
Saturday, July 18, 2026 – 8:30 PM
"A. Lecciso" School Atrium, Piazza del Tempo
Fourth Gran Tenzone Carmianese – Song Contest. Jury President: Maria Grazia Fontana (Rai 1).
Highlights Friendship & Solidarity Days 2026
- Meeting with experts on cancer prevention
- Fourth Gran Tenzone Carmianese – Song Contest with Maria Grazia Fontana (Rai 1)
- Fundraising for the Centro Ilma of LILT Gallipoli
- Free entry to both evenings
Prices Friendship & Solidarity Days 2026
Practical information — Friendship & Solidarity Days
Where
Carmiano (LE), Piazza del Tempo: the "F.lli Lumière" Cineteatro hosts the evening dedicated to prevention, while the Atrium of the "A. Lecciso" School hosts the Gran Tenzone Carmianese – Song Contest.
How to get there
Carmiano is located a few kilometers from Lecce, along the main road connecting the provincial capital to Copertino. By car, it can be reached from the Lecce exit of the SS 101 or the ring road. The Carmiano train station is served by the Ferrovie Sud Est on the Lecce-Gallipoli line.
Admission
Free entry to both evenings. It is possible to support the cause with a donation to the beneficiary associations.
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Where does it take place — Friendship & Solidarity Days
Cineteatro F.lli Lumière / Atrio Scuola A. Lecciso
Piazza del Tempo, 73041 Carmiano