La Corrida - Amateur Talent Show

An evening of talent in San Paolo Bel Sito

La Corrida - Amateur Talent Show is the popular variety event hosted by the S. Paolo Eremita and SS. Epifania parish oratory in San Paolo Bel Sito, a small town of just over three thousand inhabitants in the Metropolitan City of Naples, Campania. The format mirrors the famous Italian television show: non-professional contestants take the stage to perform before their fellow citizens, who serve as both audience and jury.

Singing, dancing, comedy, and improvisation

The heart of the evening lies in the amateur performances. It is not about flawless technique or artistic resumes, but the courage to step into the spotlight and win over the crowd. Between acts, musical guests and entertainment segments keep the energy high, with surprises prepared by the organizers to ensure the rhythm stays lively until late.

• Singing performances by local contestants
• Dance numbers and choreography
• Comedy and sketches in the Neapolitan style
• Improvisation and displays of wit
• Musical guests and surprise appearances

The July 10, 2026 Edition

The most recent edition took place on Friday, July 10, 2026, starting at 8:00 PM in the parish oratory. The evening was hosted by actor Angelo Iannelli, known as the "Ambassador of Smiles," joined on stage by Ludovica Cerracchio and Francesca Nastro. The guest of honor was singer Mario Conte, a well-regarded voice in the Campanian music scene. Numerous contestants took turns performing, making for a night dedicated to community fun.

The Oratory and the Parish

The S. Paolo Eremita and SS. Epifania Parish is one of the oldest in the Diocese of Nola. The current church dates back to the late 16th century, built after the demolition of two previous parish churches, and preserves 18th-century decorations with frescoes by Nicola Cacciapuoti. The community is deeply devoted to Our Lady of Sorrows, whose feast is celebrated on the first Sunday of August. The oratory, with its outdoor spaces, is the hub for youth activities and summer evenings, with La Corrida standing out as one of its most anticipated events.

San Paolo Bel Sito, between Nola and Vesuvius

The town was founded when inhabitants from the Castel Cicala hill descended to cultivate the plains below, taking its name from Saint Paul the Hermit. The name "Bel Sito" (Beautiful Site) was added after the Unification of Italy to distinguish it from other towns, recalling an area once favored as a summer retreat by the Neapolitan aristocracy. Notable historical landmarks include Villa Montesano, where musician Domenico Cimarosa stayed and composed, and Palazzo Accinni, a 16th-century ducal residence with late-Baroque decorations. The area has also yielded human remains linked to the "Avellino Pumice" eruption, which predates the 79 AD eruption that buried Pompeii.

A festival that belongs to the town

Beyond the names on the bill, the true value of La Corrida lies in participation: it is the youth of the oratory, the families, and the townspeople who build the show through rehearsals, enthusiasm, and a touch of healthy competition. It is one of those evenings that perfectly captures life in the small towns of the Naples province, where the square and the oratory remain the places where the community gathers. Visitors passing through in summer will find a joyful event, accessible to everyone and welcoming to outsiders.