La Notte della Cuccuascia

A night of wonder in San Cassiano

La Notte della Cuccuascia is a widespread nocturnal event that brings San Cassiano to life, a small town in the lower Salento area of the Lecce province, in Puglia. Conceived by the local municipal administration, the festival takes place in the evocative Villa Planetaria, offering a journey of experiences that literally unfolds from dusk till dawn: those who wish can even camp out to watch the sunrise among the trees.

The name: the owl of Salento

The "cuccuascia" is the name given in the Salento dialect to the owl, the quintessential nocturnal bird. Forever linked to the night and the wild nature of the region, the owl becomes the perfect symbol for a festival that invites both adults and children to rediscover the darkness as a space for play, discovery, and wonder, rather than something to fear.

What to expect during the night

The heart of the event is the "Terrazza tra la Natura" (Terrace among Nature), a large net structure suspended between the trees, designed especially for children and teenagers: you can climb, lie down, and gaze at the stars from a unique perspective. All around, the park comes alive with light installations, performances, and activities for all ages:

• Street artists and circus performers: acrobats, stilt walkers, jugglers, and clowns animate the villa's paths.
• Light installations that transform trees and clearings into glowing landscapes.
• Sound experience: natural soundscapes and the sounds of nocturnal wildlife.
• Astronomical observation guided by experts from the Gruppo Astrofili Salentini (GAS), to identify stars, planets, and galaxies.
• Kiosk with refreshments open from dinner until breakfast for those staying all night.

A festival for families

Free admission, a relaxed pace, and a focus on children make La Notte della Cuccuascia an event designed for families: a different way to experience the Salento summer, away from the crowded coastal resorts and immersed in the greenery of the San Cassiano countryside. The initiative is a collaboration between the Municipality of San Cassiano, Masseria Torcito, and the Rinascita Social Cooperative, with the involvement of local associations.

San Cassiano and the Salento region

San Cassiano is located in the southern hinterland of the Lecce province, in an area of Salento rich in history: ancient Basilian tombs have been found in its surroundings, and the nature still retains a wild character. La Notte della Cuccuascia celebrates this very identity, transforming the small village for one night into a place of art, play, and contemplation of the sky.