LeoLà Festival
The festival fostering community in the historic claustri of Altamura
About LeoLà
LeoLà, the street that becomes a community
LeoLà Festival is the event that in 2026 brought new life to the ancient heart of Altamura, in the province of Bari, Apulia. The name stems from the encounter between the local linguist Leopoldo Laudati, to whom the festival is dedicated, and the historic street that bears his name: Via Leopoldo Laudati. It is here, among the narrow alleys and the characteristic claustri (courtyards) of Altamura, that the festival takes shape, turning the urban space into a large open-air laboratory.
An urban regeneration project
LeoLà is not just a simple series of events: it is an urban regeneration project promoted by the Municipality of Altamura and entrusted to the association APS Fortis Murgia. The initiative is part of the PNRR – Mission 5, Component 2, Investment 2.2, within the « In-Claustro » Integrated Urban Plans project, funded by the European Union – Next Generation EU for the enhancement of the streets, courtyards, and squares of the historic center.
Four thematic pillars
The festival is developed around four key concepts that define its spirit:
- Intergenerational exchange: meetings between the elderly and the young to pass on memories and knowledge;
- Play and discovery: traditional wooden street games for families and children;
- Cultural promotion: concerts, exhibitions, conferences, and theatrical tours;
- Active citizenship: workshops on urban gardening and creative recycling.
The LeoLà experience
During the festival, the street fills with Apulian folk music concerts, street performances, storytellers, magic shows, photo exhibitions, treasure hunts, and workshops dedicated to local crafts and ancient trades. Theatrical tours guide visitors through the history of the neighborhood, while children find dedicated spaces for play and creativity.
Altamura, city of bread and claustri
Located on the Alta Murgia plateau, Altamura is famous for its PDO bread and a historic center marked by claustri, small enclosed courtyards once inhabited by entire neighborhood communities. LeoLà draws attention back to these places, returning them to the inhabitants as vibrant spaces for social interaction and culture. A precious opportunity to discover the authentic face of one of the most fascinating cities in the Bari hinterland.
LeoLà — edition 2026
The first edition of the LeoLà Festival inaugurated a new way of experiencing the historic center of Altamura. Over two weekends, May 30-31 and June 6-7, 2026, Via Leopoldo Laudati and the adjacent courtyards were transformed into a widespread urban laboratory, with a program built around intergenerational exchange, play, culture, and active citizenship. An urban regeneration project funded by the PNRR and entrusted to APS Fortis Murgia by the Municipality of Altamura.
Programme LeoLà 2026
Saturday, May 30
- 18:00 — Inauguration of the photo exhibition « Istantanea: Storie e Memorie »
- 18:30 — Workshop « Seminare un'idea », dedicated to potting plants
- 19:00 — Conference « I causƏ de na voltƏ » on life in Altamura in the past
- 20:00 — Concert by PrimitivoTrad (Apulian folk music) at Arco Fratelli Festa
Sunday, May 31
- 10:30-13:00 and 17:30-21:00 — Creative recycling workshops, street games, and storytelling with the Compagnia Santo Macinello
- Magic and illusion show with Mr Dudi
- « I luoghi raccontano: l'Antica Tipografia Portoghese », meeting with Francesca Portoghese
- 20:30 — Concert « Rinascenze Sonore » with the Euphonix Youth Choir, conducted by Maestro Michele Vulpio, at Arco Fratelli Festa
Saturday, June 6 and Sunday, June 7
The second weekend repeated the festival formula with concerts, street performances, workshops, games, treasure hunts, and theatrical tours through the streets and courtyards of the historic center. The detailed program of individual events was released by the organizers during the event days.
Highlights LeoLà 2026
- The Apulian folk music concert by PrimitivoTrad at Arco Fratelli Festa
- The choral concert « Rinascenze Sonore » with the Euphonix Youth Choir
- The photo exhibition « Istantanea: Storie e Memorie »
- Street games and intergenerational workshops in the claustri
Prices LeoLà 2026
Practical information — LeoLà
Location
Via Leopoldo Laudati and the adjacent claustri in the historic center of Altamura (BA), Apulia.
How to get there
By car: Altamura can be reached via the SS 96 and SS 99 roads; it is approximately 45 km from Bari. By train: the city is served by the Ferrovie Appulo Lucane (Bari–Matera line). The historic center is pedestrianized; it is recommended to park in the areas outside the ancient walls.
Admission
All festival activities are free of charge.
Tips
Many events take place in the late afternoon and evening: wear comfortable clothing to move easily through the narrow streets and courtyards of the historic center.
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Where does it take place — LeoLà
Via Leopoldo Laudati e claustri del centro storico
Via Leopoldo Laudati, 70022 Altamura