La Logge che Parle

An evening of words and memories in Casoli

La Logge che Parle is one of the most cherished cultural events of the summer in Casoli, a village overlooking the Aventino Valley at the foot of the Maiella mountains, in the province of Chieti, Abruzzo. The title itself, in the Abruzzese dialect, evokes the idea of the village's loggias and squares coming back to "speak," becoming for one night the natural stage for dialect poetry and tales.

Dialect poetry and oral tradition

The festival is an evening of poetry and stories in dialect, where local authors and enthusiasts share their verses with the gathered community. The Abruzzese dialect, with its musicality and emotional depth, is the true protagonist: through rhymes, memories, and village stories, the event renews the bond between the inhabitants and their linguistic and cultural identity every year.

The music of "La Serenata"

Readings alternate with musical interludes performed by the local group La Serenata, which accompanies the evening with traditional Abruzzese folk songs. The result is a blend of words and melodies that recreates the atmosphere of old village vigils, when people would gather in the loggias to tell stories and sing.

The legacy of Franco Ballone

The event was conceived and led for years by Franco Ballone, a cultural promoter deeply attached to the town. Following his passing, the festival continues thanks to the dedication of the heirs he designated, who guard its spirit and customs: as he himself recommended, the evening begins promptly at 9:30 PM with the tolling of the bell from the church of San Rocco. Reaching its nineteenth edition in 2025, "La Logge che Parle" continues to "cuntinue a parlè" (continue to speak), preserving the memory of its founder.

Piazza San Rocco, the heart of the evening

The heart of the event is Piazza San Rocco, in the historic center of Casoli, dominated by the Ducal Castle that watches over the Aventino Valley. The square, in the shadow of the church, fills with chairs and spectators for a free, open-air event that combines culture, conviviality, and local history. It is an opportunity for both residents and visitors to discover the authentic soul of one of the "Most Beautiful Villages in Italy."