Le Notti in Verde

Le Notti in Verde: Ortona's summer under the banner of freedom

Le Notti in Verde is one of the most vibrant events of the summer in Ortona, a city overlooking the Adriatic in the Province of Chieti, Abruzzo. Established in 2024, it takes place in the days spanning Ferragosto and the feast of San Rocco, when the city's commercial heart—Via della Libertà and the Porta Caldari area—transforms into a large open-air stage. The festival's motto, «Liberamente… liberi!» (Freely… free!), captures the spirit of the celebration: green as the color of freedom, in an evening journey that weaves together music, art, craftsmanship, and local flavors.

Live music, from jazz to soul

The common thread of the evenings is live music. On stages set up along the street, jazz ensembles, rock, blues, and soul bands, entertainers, and dance moments accompany the audience until late at night. Performances generally start in the early evening and continue with headline concerts, creating a warm and engaging atmosphere along the entire pedestrian route.

Art, crafts, and gastronomy

Alongside the music, Le Notti in Verde features the «Liber Arte» initiative, with artistic exhibitions and installations that provide a backdrop to the event. There are also creative and craft markets, where local artisans showcase works inspired by the region, and a rich gastronomic offering curated by Ortona's public establishments, featuring typical products and specialties of Abruzzo cuisine. For families, there are dedicated animation spaces and games for children set up in the heart of the street.

A festival for the whole city

For the occasion, the affected streets are closed to traffic, returning the space entirely to pedestrians. Promoted by the City of Ortona together with Ascom Confcommercio and local merchants, the event is part of the broader Estate Ortonese (Ortona Summer) calendar and dialogues with other local appointments of the period, such as the traditional San Rocco fireworks. Admission is free: an opportunity to experience the historic center of Ortona during the hottest nights of summer, amidst music, lights, and the flavors of Abruzzo.