Funai Music Festival

A festival regenerating the historic center of Lanciano

The Funai Music Festival is a music, art, and community event held every May 1st in the historic Civitanova district, in the ancient heart of Lanciano, in the province of Chieti, Abruzzo. The event occupies the outdoor spaces of the former De Giorgio Institute, along Via dei Funai, and was born from a clear vision: to bring one of the city's most authentic yet overlooked places back to the center stage, restoring its dignity and new life through youth culture.

The origins and the soul of the district

The festival takes its name from the funai (rope makers), the historic artisans who once lived and worked in this area of Lanciano. The event is promoted by the Quartiere Storico Civita Nova Cultural Association, which sought to draw attention back to a long-neglected part of the historic center. The first edition in 2025 exceeded all expectations, drawing thousands of people and demonstrating how music can become a concrete tool for urban regeneration and social cohesion.

A day of DJ sets, rap, and emerging bands

The program unfolds throughout the day, from noon until evening, with a progression designed to guide the audience from the afternoon into the night:

• DJ sets to open with beats, grooves, and vibes;
• Rap and hip-hop performances with crews, dancers, and high energy in the early afternoon;
• Live bands in the evening, featuring a marathon of original tracks from the emerging Abruzzo scene.

Alongside the music, there is space for contemporary art exhibitions, live painting, graffiti, street art, independent crafts, and food and wine offerings, in an informal atmosphere that brings together young people, families, and curious visitors of all ages.

A free event open to all

The Funai Music Festival offers free admission and is part of the Month of Culture program of the Municipality of Lanciano, which recognizes its value within the city's cultural calendar. More than just a concert, it is a community project that showcases the local music scene and brings life back to a charming corner of the Adriatic Abruzzo.